The Detroit Lions have the Cleveland Browns coming to town on Sunday. The Lions are seeking their third consecutive win, while the Browns look to secure their second victory.
It'll be an intense showdown, considering how stingy the Browns' defense is, and the Lions seemed to have lost a possible advantage as well. According to ESPN's Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi, Cleveland CB Denzel Ward is back at Thursday's practice and plans on playing on Sunday.
Ward was absent from Wednesday's practice due to toe and shoulder injuries.
Browns CB Denzel Ward Expects to Play vs. Lions
Ward is the Browns' No. 1 CB and has been stout in the secondary for Cleveland. He has a 59.6 overall grade (83rd among 158 graded CBs) from Pro Football Focus, and a 62.7 coverage grade (60th among 158 graded CBs). His play has been better than what his coverage grade suggests. Ward has allowed six catches (10 targets) for 53 yards and zero touchdowns.
The Ohio State product hasn't given up more than 19 receiving yards in any game thus far. During these games, Ward has lined up against WRs like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Zay Flowers. Having its No. 1 CB in uniform and available to play against the Lions is a big bonus for a Browns defense that has been elite.
Cleveland is ranked first in the NFL in total defense (204.3) and run defense (57.3). They are also fourth in passing defense (147) and third in team sacks (11). In addition, the Browns have allowed 17 or fewer points in two of the three games thus far.
Having Ward out there benefits the Browns, since he will be lining up against Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams throughout this weekend's outing.
The Lions aren't worried, though, as they are also one of the most explosive offenses in the league that seems to have hit its groove. Detroit is third in the NFL in total offense (394.3), eighth in passing offense (245.3), fourth in rushing offense (149), and second in scoring offense (34.3).
After a 13-point loss in their season opener, the Lions have tallied 38-plus points in back-to-back weeks. The Browns have shown they can be a feisty and competitive team, so Detroit can't overlook them.
Ward is one of their better players, and he plans to suit up despite being banged up. That shouldn't affect how Detroit prepares for this game, with its eyes set on winning its third game of the season.