On the day he was elected captain for the first time in either his collegiate or professional career, CB Denzel Ward cleared concussion protocol.
Ward sustained a concussion during practice in early August and returned to practice Wednesday before officially clearing protocol Thursday.
After spending nearly two weeks in the concussion protocol, Ward expressed his gratitude to be back on the field and for the medical staff who helped him through the injury.
"I'm glad to be back with the team," Ward said after practice Wednesday. "I've done a lot of research and met with concussion specialist, and they gave me the knowledge I felt that I needed."
Ward shared that he had been fitted for a new helmet but that he is not currently planning on wearing Guardian Caps, which players are mandated to wear during practice, on game day. He said that the helmet he is trying out was referred to him during a team meeting.
While Ward was absent from practice, CB Martin Emerson Jr. shined during training camp – particularly against WR Justin Jefferson during joint practices against the Vikings. The duo spent time together training in Florida during the offseason, and Ward had high praise for the third-year corner.
"MJ is a number one corner," Ward said. "I mean, you guys see it. He's gonna be big for us this year and I think that's what's special about this team. We got three number one corners: myself, MJ and Greg (Newsome). I feel like we're all number ones and we're able to do different things out there on the field, and whether one guy's out another guy could step in and not lose track or not lose pace on what we've got going on."
Ward's offseason work with Emerson is one of many examples of his leadership – something that existed long before he was awarded captain. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted Ward's unique style of leadership after announcing Ward as one of the team's five captains.
"He's a great example of a guy who just does it the right way all the time," Stefanski said Thursday. "Was here all offseason, didn't miss – I don't think – a thing, a lift, a meeting, a practice, and I think his teammates notice that."
And they do.
"It's kind of easy to go out there and put it all on the line for a guy like that," Emerson said Aug. 12 of Ward.
Ward, a three-year standout at Ohio State, was the fourth-overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Browns. He quickly adapted to playing in the NFL, earning an impressive 78.9 PFF grade as a rookie. However, on Thursday the cornerback noted the growth he's experienced over his seven-season career.
"I've been enjoying every second of it," Ward said. "I always came in trying to be a captain and trying to lead these guys the best way as I can. And I definitely feel that I've grown vocally and just trying to help build the team up and build myself up."
Ward and the Browns will have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off before resuming practice on Monday as they prepare for their opening game against the Cowboys.
Fans across the league will tune in to see Ward matchup against one of the top receivers in the game in CeeDee Lamb. And Ward will be ready.
After saying that he was happy to be back on the practice field, Ward smiled and added: "I can't let the receivers off that easy in this league. So, looking forward to being out there and giving them a hard time."
