Cleveland Browns won’t have Denzel Ward in Week 17

Denzel Ward will miss Week 17 for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns will be without cornerback Denzel Ward due to COVID-19 for their final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced Thursday.

Ward was consequently placed on the team’s COVID-19 reserve list. Additionally, the team placed Malcolm Smith and Harrison Bryant on the list after they tested positive for the virus. Both players must miss at least10 days, which could put their availability for a potential playoff game in jeopardy.

Safety Andrew Sendejo is inactive as well due to COVID-19 contact tracing. Cleveland’s facility remained closed, without practice, and conducted meetings virtually out of an abundance of caution.

In the absence of Ward due to his calf strain earlier this season, the Browns secondary patched together by committee. Cornerbacks M.J. Stewart, Tavierre Thomas and Kevin Johnson all played a role in filling in for the third-year cornerback from Ohio State.

As of Thursday evening, an NFL spokesman said that Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers remains on schedule.

Earlier on Thursday, before Ward was placed on the list, the Browns elevated receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, who all tested negative consecutively and cleared protocols. Additionally, rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips was elevated and safety Karl Joseph is eligible to play if he continues to test negative.

If the Browns want to capitalize on their 10 win season and make the playoffs, they must beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are resting several pivotal starters. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, defensive linemen T.J. Watt and center Maurkice Pouncey will all be inactive due to rest.

Without resting anyone, the Browns will be shorthanded defensively due to COVID-19. The league’s 21st ranked defense will be tested by Pittsburgh’s Mason Rudolph and their dynamic receiving group that will not be resting.