Report on injuries: CB Denzel Ward might not be able to play in the Wild Card contest against the Texans.
The Browns said how a few of their players are doing in games before Wild Card weekend, when they play the Texans. “He couldn’t do as much because of his knee,” Stefanski said. “I haven’t got any further news past that.”
CB Denzel Ward was officially marked as “questionable” for Saturday’s playoff game because he hurt his knee. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that Ward hurt his knee during practice on Thursday.
The first round of the playoffs will also be hard on CB Mike Ford Jr. (calf), RB Pierre Strong Jr. (back), and S Juan Thornhill (calf).
Strong was hit during the fourth quarter in the Browns’ Week 18 game against the Bengals. He did not come back for the rest of the game. He didn’t train on Tuesday and couldn’t do much on Wednesday.
Stefanski said, “He fights like crazy.” “He’s a very tough kid, and therefore he looked good.” Three players will not be able to play in the first playoff game because they hurt their groins, hamstrings, or brains.
Delpit was set to come back from the injury reserve list on January 10. He went back to practice this week after being limited on Wednesday.
But the Browns didn’t bring Delpit back into the game, so he won’t be able to play in the Wild Card game with the Texans.
“Just getting better, it’s all part in the rehab process,” Stefanski said for Delpit. Making it to the practice field and going through solo and team times is part of that process. But he’s going in the right way and making great growth.
Hopkins is still working out even though he hurt his left leg in Week 16. Late last week, Stefanski said it was not likely that Hopkins would kick within the championship game.
In the final two matches of the season, the Browns have used K Riley Patterson as their kicker. On December 25, they signed him to the practice squad.
Tillman hurt his head against the Bengals in Week 18 and won’t be able to play in the first around of the playoffs. Stefanski said Tillman is still making progress in the concussion procedure.
At this point, we don’t know how bad Ward’s injury is, but if it’s not 100%, it will put even more pressure on the Browns’ defense, which is already missing these two starting safeties.
After the time for reporters to ask questions was over, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t say much about Ward’s injury. Stefanski told them Ward was hurt, but he didn’t say how.
Ward was chosen for the Pro Bowl for the third time this season and the sixth time with the Browns. He has been a big part of the team’s top-ranked defense, which ranks No. 1 against the pass.
The Browns (11-6) have had a lot of injuries this season and have had to rely on their reserves since the first game. This is the latest one. Ward missed three games recently because he hurt his shoulder.
Ward getting hurt at the worst possible time for the team—right before they play Stroud, who is very good. The No. 2 pick in last year’s draft was hurt and couldn’t play in Cleveland’s 36–22 win over Texas on December 24.
Josh Stefanski said that safety Grant Delpit will not play against the Texans. Delpit returned to practice yesterday after missing four games with a hip issue. Safety Juan Thornhill (calf) is also not sure if he will play.