The Browns got a timely boost on Sunday morning, and it came on the side of the ball that has helped fuel their 4-2 start.
Just hours before Cleveland kicked off against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Oct. 25, the team’s inactive report confirmed that cornerback Denzel Ward and linebacker Quincy Williams were both available to go. Both had been managing injuries during the week and entered the day questionable, but neither wound up sidelined for the matchup.
Ward’s status had drawn particular attention because of a right hand issue. He was ultimately cleared and active for the game, giving the Browns another steady piece in the secondary as they faced Cam Ward and a Titans offense that figures to lean on the pass.
Ward has been Cleveland’s most dependable defensive presence since arriving in 2018, and this season he had piled up 25 total tackles, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one quarterback hit and one interception. He had also stayed on the field week after week, and if that trend held, he was on pace for a career-high in tackles.
Monken had already hinted during the week that Ward was trending in the right direction. "Knowing Denzel, we expect him to play, but we'll see," Monken said during the week.
Williams was in the same boat. He played in each of Cleveland’s first six games and came into Sunday with 40 combined tackles, three for a loss, three quarterback hits, one sack and three forced fumbles, which stood as both a team and league best.
He had missed time earlier in the week because of neck soreness after the Browns’ tight win over the Ravens, but he made it clear on Thursday that he expected to be out there. "Just a little soreness," Williams said on Thursday.
"Missed yesterday just for precautionary stuff, get some tests done and everything and I was back out there today moving full speed. Moving, it feels good.
Just did a little check right there...good for Sunday."
Cleveland’s inactive list otherwise included quarterback Taylen Green, linebacker Justin Jefferson, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, running back Audric Estime, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. and center Parker Brailsford. None of those absences appeared likely to shift the game in a major way.
With Ward and Williams cleared, the Browns had a healthier look heading into a game that could move them to 5-2 and keep them atop the AFC North. The matchup was set for 1:00 p.m. EST.
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