Browns cornerback Denzel Ward has been shut down following an outstanding performance against the Eagles. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns' Denzel Ward likely out a few weeks with calf strain

The Cleveland Browns will be without a second defensive star for this coming Sunday's game at the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

This one may not be back on the field until much closer to Christmas. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Jake Trotter) is reporting that Cleveland cornerback Denzel Ward will likely miss "a few weeks" due to the calf strain that he suffered during this past Sunday's 22-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Ward, who currently leads the NFL with 15 passes defended, appeared to pick up the knock shortly before he intercepted a pass delivered by Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz. The 23-year-old defensive back nevertheless finished the contest but underwent an MRI on Monday. 

Ward referenced the setback on Instagram: 

It's not yet known if the Browns will place Ward on injured reserve. A rule for the NFL season held amid the coronavirus pandemic mandates that any player on IR must miss a minimum of three games. 

Following the Week 12 showdown at Jacksonville, the Browns play at the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 6 and then host the Baltimore Ravens for a divisional "Monday Night Football" clash on Dec. 14. Baltimore crushed Cleveland 38-6 in Week 1. 

The Browns travel to face the New York Giants on Dec. 20. 

Cleveland began the midweek already knowing that pass-rusher Myles Garrett will remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list through the upcoming weekend after he tested positive for the virus before the Philadelphia game. 

Garrett led the NFL with 9.5 sacks ahead of Week 11. 

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