The Cleveland Browns could be without a star defensive player in Week 4 when they go on the road to play the Detroit Lions.
On Sept. 24, Browns coach star veteran cornerback Denzel Ward was added to the injury report with a shoulder injury. Ward didn’t practice putting his status for Week 4’s game against the Lions in doubt.
However, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski says they are taking it day by day with Ward and his injured shoulder.
“Take him day-by-day, but it’s always something that we’re gonna do with our guys. Just make sure they’re feeling good before,” Stefanski said.
Ward is also dealing with a toe injury, but the shoulder injury was the main reason for the cornerback to be on the injury report.
If Ward can’t play on Sunday, it would be a big blow to the Browns‘ secondary against a Lions offense that can put up plenty of points.
Ward is in his eighth NFL season after being selected fourth overall by Cleveland in 2017. This season, the cornerback has recorded 8 tackles and 2 pass defenses.
Ward Had Lofty Goals for the Browns’ Defense
To begin the season, Ward had a ton of confidence in the Browns‘ defense.
Ward feels like Cleveland has all the weapons to be the best defense in the NFL, and he says that was the team’s goal this season.
Our goal is to be the best defense in the NFL, and we’re going to get there,” Ward said. “We’re going to make it happen.”
Meanwhile, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has also been impressed with Ward, as he believes he’s one of the top defensive players in the NFL.
“The thing I like about Denzel is how consistent he is with his preparation – he never phones in a performance,” Schwartz said. “He’s making a big effort this year to be more physical. He’s such a great shadow guy and he’s working a little bit more now, being a little more physical at the line of scrimmage, giving us a bit more run support and sort of rounding out some other parts of the game.”
Ward has been a star cornerback in the NFL since entering the game. The 28-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler and has 17 interceptions in his NFL career.
Cleveland Preparing for a Big Challenge Against Lions
The Browns are coming off a stunning upset win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.
But, Cleveland is now set to go on the road to play the Lions, which is a tough spot. But Stefanski is excited for the challenge.
“Great challenge this week, going to Detroit to play a terrific football team,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, everybody sees the talent they have on the football team, offense, defense, special teams. They’re well coached, have a ton of respect for what Dan (Campbell) and his staff do.
“I know a lot of his coaches, they’re terrific. Unique challenges every single week in the NFL. No different with their attack, I’m talking offense, defense or special teams,” Stefanski added. “Very physical group. Obviously, their offense is playing at an extremely high level. I think the quarterback’s great, they have great playmakers around him, including an explosive running back that can hurt you in the run and the pass.”
Cleveland is a 10-point underdog against the Lions.
Browns Get Bad Injury News on Star Defensive Player Ahead of Week 4