The Houston Texans will face the Cleveland Browns in the NFL playoffs’ Wild Card round on Saturday, in a rematch from Christmas Eve at NRG Stadium.
The Browns easily won that game, 34-22, thanks in large part to a suffocating defense led by great corner Denzel Ward. Ward’s availability for the playoff game was in doubt just two days before the game, after the standout corner suffered a knee injury in Thursday’s practice.
However, according to Cleveland.com, Ward looks to be willing to give it a shot.
Following the injury, the Browns categorized Ward as questionable for the game, and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Ward was a limited participant in practice.
Ward appears to have made enough progress to be able to hit the field, where he will be entrusted with covering Texans #1 receiver Nico Collins.
Ward, who was chosen to his third Pro Bowl in six seasons with Cleveland, has been a key member of the team’s No. 1 defense, finishing the regular season with 34 tackles, two interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a forced fumble in 13 games with 11 starts.
However, Ward was not the only injury issue for Cleveland’s secondary on Saturday, as safety Grant Delpit was ruled out with a groin ailment.
Delpit has also contributed significantly to the Browns’ defense this season, with 63 tackles, 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one interception. Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) and Cedric Tillman (concussion) were both ruled out for Saturday’s game.
