CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 22: Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward 21 warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 22, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 22 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241222041
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 22: Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward 21 warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 22, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 22 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241222041
Dec 24, 2025, 10:00 AM CUT
Left Frustrated Over Bills' Decision Denzel Ward Sets Plan Straight Ahead of Steelers Clash
Denzel Ward had to sit out the Bills clash on Sunday after suffering from a calf injury in the fourth quarter of Week 14. However, as per insider reports
In a press conference on December 23rd, the Cleveland Browns' defensive back praised the team for protecting him against the Bills. He also said he could have played the game, and chimed in on whether he would or would not play against the Steelers.
"I felt that I could have played and um, I had told them that like I could have played... But yeah, I felt, I felt good last week where I felt could have played and uh, yeah, I'm playing on, I'm going to play this week for sure." Ward revealed.
A journalist had asked head coach Kevin Stefanski about Ward before the Bills game. "He’s trying real hard to get back, and you can’t rush those types of things," he said. His decision hadn't changed much.
"Yeah, listen, 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 HC said in Tuesday's press conference. So no final decision has been made yet, but ward in looking to ruin the game for the Steelers.
Denzel Ward has plans to crash the Steelers' playoff chances
In the same press conference, the DB revealed how he feels about the Browns being the ones that could ruin Pittsburgh's playoff chances.
"Man, it sounds like it's an amazing opportunity that we have. We still playing for something, so we plan to ruin their hopes of getting into the playoffs. So that's what we're gonna go in there and try to do to the best way we can," said the Corner Back.
If the Browns beat the Steelers, Pittsburgh won’t clinch the AFC North or a playoff spot outright that week. Things will get worse for the Steelers, especially if the Ravens also win their game.
On the flip side, winning against the Steelers may not benefit the Browns. As odd as it may sound, losing another game will increase Cleveland's chances. They're currently sitting at No. 3 behind the New York Giants (#1) and the Las Vegas Raiders (#2), with a 24.2% chance to earn the #1 spot as per ESPN. A loss would increase those chances.
That being said, the Browns don't have any intentions to lose. The Steelers have already lost DK Metcalf, and things could go south for Aaron Rodgers and Co. if Denzel Ward makes the roster. What do you think?
Written by
Reyansh Dubey
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi