Cleveland Browns standout rookie cornerback Denzel Ward has quickly put himself on the map as one of the rising stars at his position in his first campaign.
However, he has been sidelined for the last couple of weeks due to being in the concussion protocol that has continued to linger on in the last few days. According to James Palmer of The NFL Network, Ward has been labeled as out for this week's game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.
CB Denzel Ward ruled OUT Saturday at Broncos
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 13, 2018
Since suffering the injury against the Houston Texans back on Dec. 2, Ward has been unable to practice in the days that have followed. It has turned into a situation that has no clarity in terms of a timetable for his return as this will be the second straight game that he has had to miss due to the injury.
Given the type of ailment he is currently w0rking his way back, the Browns will likely continue to take the precautionary approach with the entire matter. It is a situation that could compound if not handled correctly due to it being a head injury that continues to commonly occur around the league. Another week off should also give him more time to work through the concussion protocol with the opportunity to play in the final two games of the regular season.
Ward is also a pivotal piece to Cleveland's long-term future as he has proven to be the real deal at his position with his game-changing ability in coverage along with making crucial plays at crucial moments as he has 48 total tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. His absence in Saturday's game will put more responsibility on cornerbacks T.J. Carrie and Terrance Mitchell to provide stability at the position while safeties Jabril Peppers and Damarious Randall could also factor in more significantly into the equation in the secondary.
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