Although Denzel Ward was sure he would recover from his calf injury and play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, he might have to sit out the remaining season.

The Cleveland Browns may face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 without their cornerback, as he might be ruled unfit and miss his third consecutive game.

During Tuesday’s media availability, Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski stated he wants all his players to be confident like Ward, but hasn’t made a decision yet.

“I want all our guys to feel that way. We’ll get through the week and make a decision, but he’s trending, obviously, in the right direction.”

The Browns are currently standing 3-12 this year with a roster full of injured key players. Losing another game, that too on their home turf, will take them closer to repeating another 3-14 season. 

After Stefanski or quarterback Dillon Gabriel, depending on who you ask, was booed by the public in the stadium during the game against the Bills, Ward’s absence heavily affects the team. Every performance counts as the Browns’ management is set to reevaluate the continuity of many members.

NFL reporter Ian Rapaport stated, “Some change would make sense based on how tough a season it has been.”

A Good Season for Ward

The 28-year-old, recently named Pro Bowler alongside defensive end Myles Garrett, has recorded 38 tackles, out of which 29 were solo, eight passes defended (PD), and one interception this season.

He was injured in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans and was limited from practicing. Ward, adamant to play, has been benched against the Chicago Bears. 

“Denzel tried really hard to come back and play that game, and he was certainly willing to be able to go,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said.

However, he was advised by the medical team to go against it. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ward shared that he felt better but was glad he had waited it out.

“I felt that I could have played, and I had told them that I could have played. But I think they did a great job just protecting me.”

As per Stefanski, Ward needs to pull through practice to face the AFC North division leader. Though the Browns were eliminated in Week 14, the Steelers are playing with the hopes of clinching a playoff spot. 

If Ward does return to the field, can he help the Browns deny the Steelers their playoff spot? As Garrett is still looking to match the sacks record, can Ward prove to be useful there and reiterate why he’s a Pro Bowler? Tell us how you feel about it.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das