Two days after one of his finest games, an MRI revealed a calf injury that will keep cornerback Denzel Ward sideline for multiple games. (USAToday)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst on the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Denzel Ward completed a stellar game in the rain on Sunday with an interception inside the 5-yard line just before the two-minute warning.
The third-year cornerback had three other pass breakups in the 22-17 win over the Eagles, held the Eagles’ top receiver to one catch and also forced an interception and touchdown return by linebacker Sione Takitaki with a hit on quarterback Carson Wentz.
Afterwards, Ward appeared on a Zoom interview and smiled behind a face covering when asked if it was one of his best games.
“Yeah, I feel it was. I was just trying to stay consistent and do whatever I can to help my team win,” he said.
This being 2020, what happened next shouldn’t come as a surprise – but it did.
Ward reported to work on Monday and reported discomfort in a calf muscle. An MRI revealed a strained calf. A source confirmed that Ward will miss “some time.”
Coach Kevin Stefanski warned his team in August, “Embrace the suck.”
A similar injury to Wyatt Teller forced the big guard to miss four weeks – three games and the bye week.
On his Instagram account, Ward posted a photo of himself bent on one knee in full uniform with his helmet off and his head bowed on his left arm with the following message:
God, I may not understand the path you are sending me on or the lesson to be taught, but later I will understand. Continue to guide me and allow your will to be done. Amen
The Browns (7-3) play on the road for the first time in a month on Sunday in Jacksonville against the 1-9 Jaguars. The Browns already ruled out defensive end Myles Garrett for a second game in a row because of Covid-19 protocols.