Browns’ Denzel Ward Sends Bold Warning Before Wild Card

The Cleveland Browns are preparing to head on the road this weekend for a Super Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Houston Texans. It was only three weeks ago that the Browns defeated the Texans in Week 16 of the regular season, a game that was also played at NRG Stadium.

Cleveland came away with a convincing 36-22 victory in that game. However, things will be different this time around. Rookie phenom C.J. Stroud didn’t play because of a concussion, but he is healthy and ready to lead the AFC South division champions in their playoff game.

That means the Browns’ defense is going to have their hands full slowing down what has been a very good Texans offense this season. One of the players who will be tasked with slowing down wide receiver Nico Collins is Denzel Ward, should he be able to get on the field.

Ward injured his knee during practice on Thursday and not many updates were provided about his status moving forward. Head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t provide any details about the injury or how severe it was, but he was listed as questionable on the official injury report.

Before the injury occurred, Ward did take to social media to share a bold warning to his opponents. On Instagram, he wrote, “On A Mission, So Coming Masked Up Is The Only Option. People Don’t Fear The Mask… They Fear What’ The Person’ Behind The Mask is Capable Of. #BeLegendary.”

Ward is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, earning his third Pro Bowl nod this season. He is a key cog to the Browns’ game plan on defense, especially when it comes to slowing down high-powered passing attacks such as the one the Texans have.

Should Ward not be able to suit up, the Browns will be relying on Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson Jr. and rookie Cameron Mitchell. In two out of the four games Ward missed in the regular season, Mitchell stepped into the starting lineup for him.

That could be the route Stefanski opts to go again, with Newsome starting at the other outside cornerback spot. But, when the team switches to a nickel defense, which they could play plenty of against Houston, Newsome kicks inside to the slot corner position with Emerson handling perimeter duties.

The Browns are certainly hopeful that the injury to Ward isn’t anything serious and he will be on the field Saturday night. If not, their dominant defense will lose a little bit of its luster without their top cornerback.