The Cleveland Browns might not need Denzel Ward to beat Washington

Denzel Ward is dealing with a groin issue that may affect availability for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday against the Washington Football Team.

The Cleveland Browns may be without Denzel Ward on Sunday against the Washington Football Team; or at the very least, he may be limited. It was reported by Mary Kay Cabot that Ward has a groin injury, and while he did practice some, he only did individual drills. He seemed to be noticeably hampered by the injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t expand further due to Stefanski not hosting a pre-practice Q&A with the media. That means Ward’s health is up in the air.

Greedy Williams and Kevin Johnson have both returned to practice after their injuries, but Williams is still limited, and his availability s questionable. Johnson on the other hand is expected to play. So if Ward can’t play, it’s possible Johnson slides over from his nickel-slot to starter.

While the secondary is getting healthy, for the most part, and there are options for stand-ins should Ward not be able to play, that’s not why the Browns shouldn’t worry about him being out. No, the Browns shouldn’t worry because Washington’s offense is a mess right now. Washington’s three best playmakers through two weeks are WR’s Steven Sims and Terry McLaurin, and rookie RB Antonio Gibson. Neither Sims nor McLaurin have cracked 200 yards receiving yet, though McLaurin is close at 186. Sims isn’t at all with 103 yards so far through two games. Worse yet is Gibson, who has just 91 yards rushing through two weeks.

For a point of reference, Browns running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have a combined 342 yards rushing through two weeks.

So no, Washington isn’t a juggernaut offensively, they’re not the Ravens, and heck, they’re not even the Bengals. It’s very likely that the Browns could have barely passible corners starting (which is a very real possibility) and the Browns could still smack around Washington’s offense.