Browns: Denzel Ward to play Sunday, Juan Thornhill questionable

The Cleveland Browns announced that cornerback Denzel Ward is available for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, safety Juan Thornhill is considered questionable.

#Browns Juan Thornhill (calf) is questionable for the #Bengals game. Denzel Ward (concussion) does not have a status and is available for the game

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 8, 2023

Ward has been in concussion protocol since the Browns final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This is the fourth known concussion of Ward’s NFL career. While calling Ward injury-prone is unfair, the volume of concussions in such a short time is concerning.

Ideally, both would be available this Sunday, but if there is one that the Browns would rather have, it is Ward. The drop-off for Cleveland’s secondary from Ward-Emerson-Newsome to Emerson-Newsome-Ford is much steeper than Delpit-Thornhill to Delpit-McLeod. Additionally, with the new defense being brought in by Jim Schwartz, the man-to-man coverage ability at the cornerback position is much more valuable. Especially considering the Bengals feature two receivers who were among the best against it in 2022.

The Browns have a tough task ahead of them to begin the season. Cleveland is the only team to face all three divisional opponents in the first four weeks. Navigating this stretch was always going to be difficult, but having Ward should make it easier. If Cleveland can find a way to win at least two games heading into their very early bye week, they should be set for a post-bye run. If not, they may be in serious trouble. This is a team that has gone all-in on this season. If the additions and adjustments to their roster and scheme do not work as intended, it could mean the end for this version of the Browns.