BIG NEWS: Kevin Stefanski releases major injury update on Browns’ star player

The Cleveland Browns have received favorable injury news for a key component of their defense.

Denzel Ward, a Cleveland Browns cornerback, returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous two weeks while in concussion protocol, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Ward entered concussion protocol on August 12 following a hit in practice.

“Yeah, he’s doing well,” stated head coach Kevin Stefanski. “As you know, he’s improving. Certain criteria must be met, and so on, but he is performing admirably.”

Ward has had five known concussions since entering the NFL.

Cleveland selected the 27-year-old with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played NCAA football at Ohio State.

Ward quickly established himself as one of football’s best cornerbacks, making the Pro Bowl during his rookie season after recording 53 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, a pair of fumble recoveries, and 11 passes defended.

Ward has made three Pro Bowl appearances, the most recent being past season.

The Macedonia, Ohio native is a key member of the Browns’ defense, which is ranked first in the NFL in 2023. Cleveland also ranked #1 in passing defense last year.

Ward’s return to practice is certainly crucial for the Browns, especially given that they will face one of the league’s finest wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb, in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8.

Hopefully, Ward will be healthy enough to play in the season opener.