CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Of course the Browns have to head to Houston unsure if one of their Pro Bowlers will be available against the Texans.
It’s just been that kind of season.
Here’s our top Brownie Bites from Thursday.
Ward questionable – Cornerback Denzel Ward suffered a knee injury during Friday’s practice and is questionable for Saturday’s Wild Card game in Houston. “Yeah, just something with his knee,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He was limited. I don't really have an update past that practice today.” The mood in the locker room after practice appeared unchanged after Ward went down. Players gathered around each other's lockers and were joking around, just like the end of every other practice week which was a positive sign. “I didn't see it, but I mean definitely disappointed,” defensive end Myles Garrett said. “He's a guy who came in pretty much with me. He's a playmaker that a few guys in the league can with. He's been doing it at a very high rate this year and the time he's been here. We're looking forward to getting him back whenever he's able to come back and be himself. It's just unfortunate something like that happens in practice trying to prepare for a big one like this is this Saturday.” Martin Emerson will likely be called upon to start in Ward’s place if needed. “It’s a lot of emotions that go through my mind,” fellow corner Greg Newsome II said. “He’s our leader, he’s one of arguably the best cornerbacks in the league. So it's definitely tough, but I know Denzel's a trooper and he's a fighter, so if he's able to go, he'll be ready to go.” Ward, who has two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a forced fumble this season, has missed four games due to injury, so this is nothing new for the Browns to adjust to. “We're battle tested so it helps, but I mean it's still a burden without the best corner in the league on the field,” Newsome said. “So it's definitely going to be tough if he doesn't, but hopefully he's out there playing with us.”
Not ready – Safety Grant Delpit was ruled out after practicing the last two days as he continues to work his way back from surgery to repair a groin injury. “Of course I wanted to play so it's just how my body's feeling and how I'm here,” Delpit said. “The doctor did a great job of my surgery and everybody in the training room has been working their tails off to give me back every day.” Delpit was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this week allowing him to return to the field. “I think if you're not driven to come back, what are we here for,” Delpit said. “It's the NFL playoffs and I've yet to play in the playoff game my whole career here, so that's all the inspiration I need.” Juan Thornhill is questionable. Delpit praised Ronnie Hickman and D’Anthony Bell, who have been filling in. “They ain't miss a beat,” Delpit said. “The dudes have been playing lights out, really. Rocket, D Bell, even Dew. Guys coming in and stepping up and playing big time roles. So it's been going like this. That's why I have confidence I don't have to rush it. I have faith in those guys.”
Historic D – The Browns finished ranked first in total defense after allowing an average of 270.2 yards per game. It marks the first time in the Super Bowl era Cleveland finished No. 1 in the category and the fifth time in franchise history. “It's the best defense in the league. We got to go out and show it,” Garrett said. “We got to go put our stamp on that and make sure that we're the same defense. Whether we're home or away, continue to be ourselves.” The last time the Browns led in total defense was 1955. The other three years were 1950, 1952 and 1954. Cleveland won NFL championships in 1950, 1954 and 1955.
Texans rushers – Houston’s bookend defenders Jonathan Greenard and Willie Anderson Jr. are both listed as questionable after returning to practice on Thursday. “They're very good edge rushers. I have a ton of respect for how they play,” Stefanski said. “They're tough. So it's going to be a tough battle regardless of who's in there.” Greenard leads the Texans with 12.5 sacks to go with 22 QB hits and 15 tackles for loss while Anderson has 7.0 sacks, 22 QB hits and 10 tackles for loss this season.
Quote of the day – “He's won at home. He's won away. I'm just hoping he doesn't expire before we get to the Super Bowl.” Garrett on quarterback Joe Flacco.
Injury report – OUT: S Grant Delpit (groin), K Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: CB Denzel Ward (knee), CB Mike Ford Jr. (calf), S Juan Thornhill (calf) RB Pierre Strong (back)