Potential return of two Pro Bowlers could boost Browns against Dolphins
Coming out of a bye, two Pro Bowlers returned to practice for the Browns, boosting their chances against Miami on Sunday. Cornerback Denzel Ward had been out since Week 5 with a concussion and guard Wyatt Teller had missed two games with a calf injury.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the two are on track to play against the Dolphins.
"I think they're trending appropriately," he said. "I think they're both different injuries, obviously. But I think they're both making steps."
Ward’s return would give a critical boost to the Browns' secondary against the high-powered Miami passing offense.
Ward would likely be matched against Tyreek Hill, who leads the NFL with 1,104 receiving yards. Miami’s Jaylen Waddle is just as big of a threat, ranking fifth with 812 receiving yards.
Before suffering the concussion, Ward had recorded six pass breakups and one interception along with 21 tackles.
The Browns have intercepted three passes, and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has not thrown a pick since returning from a concussion in Week 7.
Even with the lack of turnovers, the Cleveland defense has stepped up recently. The Browns allowed 254 yards against the Ravens in Week 8 and 229 against the Bengals in Week 9.
Miami gained 855 total yards in that span.
Teller's return bolsters an already strong offensive line, which Pro Football Focus ranked second in the NFL. Despite appearing in only six games, Teller’s PFF grade of 85.3 ranks fourth among guards.
His presence on the interior offensive line could make things easier for running back Nick Chubb, who ranks second in the NFL with 841 rushing yards. It also may make it even harder for a Dolphins pass rush that has struggled.
In Week 9 against Chicago, Miami managed two sacks and six pressures against Justin Fields, who had been sacked a league-high 31 times going into the game.
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