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The Browns faced the possibility of some troublesome injury news on the final day of their minicamp, when cornerback Denzel Ward left the field with a foot injury. The latest update on his condition is encouraging, however.
As detailed by Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, there was “no structural damage” to the foot caused by the injury Ward suffered on Thursday. As a result, he is expected to be healthy in time for training camp next month. That will be welcomed news for the Browns, considering their recent financial investment in the 25-yerar-old.
Cleveland briefly made Ward the highest-paid corner in league history in April, signing him to a five-year extension worth $20.1M per season. While his annual compensation now ranks second in the NFL at his position, the deal also included a new watermark in guaranteed money at $44.5M. Any significant injury suffered before that pact kicks in starting next season would, of course, set the Browns back significantly.
The No. 4 pick in 2018, Ward has lived up to his draft status as one of the most impactful and consistent members of Cleveland’s defense. In 2021, he matched his career high with three interceptions, earning himself a second Pro Bowl nod along the way. The Ohio State alum will go into 2022 atop the team’s CB depth chart, which also features Greedy Williams and Greg Newsome.
On a related note, Easterling adds that Williams spent minicamp dealing with a sprained ankle, another injury that “isn’t expected to be a long-term issue.” Those positive updates will allow for the continued optimism surrounding the Browns defense heading into the season, a unit which, in all likelihood, will be heavily leaned upon if the team is to contend in the AFC.
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