Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward left practice Tuesday with a shoulder injury, raising concern about his availability for the season opener.
Ward sustained the injury during a one-on-one drill and headed to the locker room after consulting with trainers.
“Browns CB Denzel Ward injured his right shoulder in a 1 on 1 drill today and went inside,” Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com posted on X. “Was in pain. No update from the team yet.”
Ward’s status is critical for a Browns secondary already hit hard by injuries. Martin Emerson Jr., projected to start opposite Ward, tore his Achilles during practice earlier this month. He will miss the entire season.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Ward has been a standout in seven seasons with Cleveland. However, durability has been a concern, as he has missed time each year due to various injuries, including multiple concussions.
Denzel Ward: Browns Will be Best Defense
Ward has some big expectations for this season after a disappointing 3-14 campaign a year ago.
“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.”
Ward was a standout during the joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers.
“The thing I like about Denzel is how consistent he is with his preparation — he never phones in a performance,” Browns defensive coordinator Jim 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 did not play in the first two preseason games but the Browns were hoping to play their starters against the Rams on Saturday. If Ward is not at 100%, it’s unlikely the Browns will run him out for the preseason finale.
Browns CB Greg Newsome Also on Mend
With Emerson out, former first-round pick Greg Newsome was expected to take over the starting spot opposite of Ward. However, shortly after Emerson’s injury, Newsome went down with a shoulder injury. He’s been limited since August 1.
Newsome continues to rehab and has yet to be a full participant in practice.
“Greg continues to get better and better,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Tuesday. “He’ll be out here at practice in a limited role.”
It’s a big year for Newsome, who is entering a contract year and wants to remain in Cleveland. He previously was slotted in as the team’s nickel cornerback but wanted to prove he could be a starter on the outside.
“I’ve said it since the day I was drafted, I want to be a Brown for life,” Newsome said on Wednesday. “In order to do that, I’ve got to hold my end of the bargain. I’ve got to go back to being that player that I know I can be. The good thing is, I’m starting this training camp healthy, so I’m able to get out there and get the reps in before the season starts. That’s my main goal, it’s always been my goal to be a Brown for life, so I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain.”
The Browns open their season on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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