BEREA, Ohio — Browns cornerback Denzel Ward cleared concussion protocol and will start Sunday's season opener against Cincinnati, giving Cleveland's secondary its best player as it tries to stop Joe Burrow and his trio of receivers.
Ward had been sidelined with his fourth reported concussion in the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowl selection got hurt in an Aug. 26 exhibition in Cincinnati. He was limited to some individual drills earlier this week before practicing Friday.
While the Browns will have Ward, they could be without starting safety Juan Thornhill, who is questionable with a calf injury.
Cleveland signed Thornhill to a three-year, $21 million contract in March after he won a Super Bowl with Kansas City. Veteran Rodney McLeod would start if Thornhill can't play.
Ward's return is important as the Browns get ready to face Burrow, who agreed to a five-year, $275 contract extension with the Bengals on Thursday. Although he's only 1-4 in his career against Cleveland, Burrow has played well and has receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd at his disposal.
