Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward returned to practice on Friday and could be cleared to play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers after suffering his sixth documented concussion last week.
Ward is listed as questionable on the injury report. He has made progress throughout the week and was approved to return to the field, which is the final step before being cleared from the league’s concussion protocol.
The 27-year-old got injured in the second half of last week’s 29-24 victory over Baltimore. Ward mentioned earlier this season that he visited a concussion specialist during the offseason with family members and feels confident that he is not putting himself at risk for long-term complications despite his history of head injuries.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Ward is having one of his best seasons. He has been credited with a league-high 13 passes defensed but has not yet recorded his first interception.
After sitting out earlier this week, Browns left guard Joel Bitonio (foot) and tight end David Njoku (ankle/hand) also returned to practice. Both Pro Bowl players are expected to play against the Chargers (4-3).
The Browns (2-6) will be short at linebacker this week with both Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Hicks ruled out.
Cleveland’s leading tackler, Owusu-Koramoah, suffered a neck injury in the third quarter last week when he was hit while tackling Ravens running back Derrick Henry. He was immobilized and taken off the field on a cart before being hospitalized overnight.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (ankle) was added to the injury report on Friday, further affecting Cleveland’s depth.
