Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams can’t get on-field together
The Cleveland Browns may be without Denzel Ward against Washington in Week 3.
The Cleveland Browns should dispose of the Washington Football Team, but injuries aren’t making it any easier.
Corner Denzel Ward missed Friday’s practice with a groin injury. He was limited by the injury on Thursday. He’s been listed as questionable heading into the weekend.
Obviously, this is a huge blow to fan who want to see the team’s dynamic duo of cornerbacks in action against Dwayne Haskins and Washington. If there’s a game to miss Ward, this may be it, but the injury news adds frustration to the fan base because the two just can’t seem to get on the field together.
The Browns have played 18 games with both players the roster. Ward’s played 14 of those contests, while Williams has played 12. Together, they’ve been on field together for just 67 percent of the team’s games dating back to Week 1 of the 2019 season.
Both missed the first four games of the 2019 season with hamstring injuries. Williams missed the first two weeks because of a shoulder injury sustained during a tackling drill early on in Training Camp.
Ward’s been playing, and playing very well in 2020, which is why the injury is a particular let down in Week 3. Ward also had concussion problems dating back to his rookie campaign. Now, it’s the groin. Is it the product of a truncated preseason, or just bad luck?
Fortunately, the Browns have a stellar third corner in Terrance Mitchell, who’s been excellent filling in for Williams. Kevin Johnson, expected to return from a lacerated liver on Sunday, would be the other starting corner if needed, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
Johnson would’ve covered Terry McLaurin had he been the nickel corner, but since he might have to start on the outside, either Tavierre Thomas or M.J. Stewart could get the first cracks to cover Washington’s slot receiver.
Elsewhere on the roster, the injury could that lingers over Olivier Vernon isn’t going away. He’s already been ruled out (abdomen), while linebacker Jacob Phillips (knee) has also been ruled out.
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Mack Wilson (knee), is listed as questionable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he played, although, don’t look for him to play a ton of snaps if he does. It’s more likely the Browns try and ease him back onto the field, giving the former fifth-round pick a chance to shake off some rust.