The Cleveland Browns defense received a big injury boost just in time for their Week 1 divisional clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. Browns Pro Bowl corner Denzel Ward cleared the concussion protocol and will play against the Bengals in Week 1, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Browns safety Juan Thornhill, who is dealing with a calf injury, is listed as questionable for the contest. Ward, 26, initially entered the concussion protocol during the Browns' final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs in late August.
He took a step in the right direction on Wednesday, as he returned to the practice field. Ward was still in the concussion protocol at the time, with Stefanski indicating that he still needed to “clear all benchmarks” to play against the Bengals.
Fortunately for the Browns, he has done just that.
The timing of Ward's return couldn't be better, as the Bengals' high-octane passing attack, led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, is looking to get off to a fast start in 2023.
Plus, Chase already provided Ward and the Browns with some bulletin board material, as the star wide receiver downplayed any notion of a rivalry between the two AFC North teams, telling reporters that “Cleveland is Cleveland.”
Ward will get the chance to make Chase eat his words on Sunday, as he figures to be the primary defender on the Bengals wideout.
In five career NFL seasons, Ward has tallied 239 tackles, 65 passes defended and 13 interceptions while earning Pro Bowl honors twice.
The Browns and Bengals split their two meetings this past season.
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