Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his broken up pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (2) during the third quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns' Denzel Ward Back to Practice Ahead Of Browns vs. Jaguars

Originally posted on FanNation Browns Digest
By Anthony Moeglin | Last updated 12/6/23

Denzel Ward is back to practice on Wednesday ahead of a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ward is having an All-Pro type of year in his seventh season. The cornerback from Ohio State just became the first defensive back since 2000 to record at least 10-plus passes defensed and two interceptions in each of his first six seasons. For achieving that feat his jersey and gloves were on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Beyond those two stats, Ward has been a lockdown corner for Cleveland. Jim Schwartz specializes in a man-to-man, aggressive style of defense and Ward has truly thrived in his system.

Ward is surrendering a passer rating of 26.8 when he is targeted in single coverage this year. He also has 29 tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. He has been a leader of this defense and is playing like a top NFL cornerback in the NFL.

The former No. 4 overall pick got banged up in the Browns' 13-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers three weeks ago. After the game, had discomfort in his shoulder and it led him to miss both games on the team's road trip in Denver and Los Angeles. His absence was felt by the Browns defense.

In Denver, Courtland Sutton got the better of Greg Newsome who tracked him for most of the afternoon, hauling in three catches for 61 yards. He also drew a pass interference on Newsome on a a critical third down play.

Sunday against the Rams, Puka Nacua got loose for four catches, 105 yards, including a 70-yard score. The Browns have missed No. 21 but his return to practice on Wednesday is promising.

In the last five games, Cleveland to start stringing together some victories if they hope to reach 10 wins and make the the playoffs a real possibility. Anything less than that could leave the Browns on the outside looking in.

Ward's presence over the final month will be critical to Cleveland's playoff hopes.

This article first appeared on FanNation Browns Digest and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: