Texans Daily

Browns Corner Denzel Ward Expected to Play vs. Texans

After suffering a knee injury in practice this week, Cleveland Browns corner Denzel Ward will give it a go vs. the Houston Texans on Saturday.
Matt Galatzan|
Browns Corner Denzel Ward Expected to Play vs. Texans
Browns Corner Denzel Ward Expected to Play vs. Texans

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Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are set to take on the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday, in what will be a rematch from Christmas Eve at NRG Stadium. 

In that game, the Browns won easily in a 34-22 decision, thanks in large part to a suffocating defense, led in part by star corner Denzel Ward. 

Just two days ahead of the playoff showdown, Ward's status for the game was in doubt, with the star corner suffering a knee injury in Thursday's practice. 

However, according to reports from Cleveland.com, it appears that Ward is going to give it a go.

Following the injury, the Browns officially listed Ward as questionable for the game, while Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also revealed that Ward was a limited participant in practice.

Now, however, it appears that Ward has made enough progress to take the field, where he will be tasked with covering Texans top receiver Nico Collins. 

Ward, who was just named to his third Pro Bowl in six seasons with Cleveland, has been a major part of the Browns' No. 1 ranked defense, finishing the regular season with 34 tackles, two interceptions, 11 passes defended and a forced fumble in 13 games with 11 starts. 

Browns 'Bad Matchup' for C.J. Stroud?

That said, Ward was not the only injury concern facing Cleveland in the secondary on Saturday, with safety Grant Delpit being ruled out of the game with a groin injury. 

Delpit has also had a major impact on the Browns' defense, this season, thanks to his 63 tackles, 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended and one interception. 

Kicker Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) and wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion), were also ruled out of Saturday's contest.

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Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com

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