Browns' Denzel Ward makes decision on future after recent series of concussions
Denzel Ward is integral to the Cleveland Browns' successful run during the Kevin Stefanski & Andrew Berry era. Drafted fourth overall in 2018, he has become one of the franchise's top players since its 1999 reactivation, making three Pro Bowls and appearing in two postseasons.
However, he has also endured health struggles over the past few years - particularly concussions. That will not stop him from continuing to play football. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot wrote on Friday:
“If all goes as hoped, he’ll be cleared in time for the opener [September] 8 against the [Dallas] Cowboys. In fact, his return to the field was never in question.”
Denzel Ward has questioned his future before after concussions
This is not the first time Denzel Ward has mentioned retiring after a preseason concussion. Last year, he suffered a major one against the Kansas City Chiefs, which led USA Today's Jacob Roach to write:
"Some things are bigger than football and the Browns should be consulting with Ward about the seriousness of his concussion history. The long-term effects of brain injuries from football have been well documented, and both the team and Ward shouldn’t approach (his return) to the field lightly.
"If he were to rush back and sustain another head injury that could mean the end of his NFL career."
This season, one good thing for him is that the NFL will allow the use of Guardian Caps - soft-shell pads that attach to helmets and are meant to absorb and lessen the impact of a head hit. Late last month, Ward said this after testing the new helmet pads:
“It’s just something getting used to. It’s just something new. And I know I got a few concussions, but I don’t go out there thinking about the concussions. I did a lot of research over the season and the offseason on concussions and just how to treat them and stuff like that. So yeah, I’m not too concerned about it going out there.”
Should he become unavailable, Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson are expected to receive more prominent roles within the Browns' secondary.