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

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Nov 24, 2020 1:20 PM ET

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:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Denzel Ward (@denzelward)

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.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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