Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward left the field less than 12 minutes in and headed to the locker room. Ward, who had been active early in the contest, was noticeably absent on the final two plays of the opponent’s touchdown drive.

Cameras showed trainers attending to Ward on the bench before he walked to the locker room. He was not in at cornerback for the Browns’ first second-quarter defensive series after Baltimore blocked a punt. Cameron Mitchell came in to replace Ward at cornerback opposite Greg Newsome II. A short time later, the Browns listed Ward as questionable to return with cramping.  

Cleveland’s defense has been a key strength so far this season, and Ward’s presence is critical to their ability to slow down explosive passing attacks across the AFC. Denzel Ward had perhaps his best season in 2024 and has been intent on building on it this season. The Ravens have already taken advantage of Mitchell as the outside cornerback. After sitting out the remainder of the first half, Ward returned to the field to open the second half, easing concerns about his availability moving forward.  

Cleveland’s defense has to hold firm against Lamar Jackson and a Baltimore offense that has looked sharp early. Week 2 has already brought plenty of drama for Cleveland. Ward needs to finish a season to get his recognition from the NFL. Ward’s chronic injuries and concussions have kept him off a lot of season-end lists. The Browns’ cornerback room is already down, starting cornerback M.J. Emerson Jr., who tore his Achilles tendon during training camp.

Browns Restructure Denzel Ward’s Contract as Injury Drama Clouds Season Outlook

The Cleveland Browns recently gave themselves much-needed salary cap relief by restructuring Denzel Ward’s contract, but the timing comes just as the star cornerback battles through another injury scare.

According to multiple reports, the Browns converted $12.2 million of Ward’s 2025 base salary into a signing bonus, freeing nearly $10 million in cap space this season. That flexibility could allow Cleveland to pursue roster reinforcements during the playoff push. Denzel Ward’s September 14 trip to the locker room raised new doubts about his availability in the months ahead.

“Before week one of the season, the Cleveland Browns took the logical step to restructure Denzel Ward’s contract, converting $12,221,000 of his $13,476,000 into a signing bonus, giving them additional cap space for the 2025 season.” Jack Duffin reported earlier this month.

Ward, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive backs, has been central to the Browns’ defensive identity. His ability to shadow elite receivers makes Cleveland’s secondary one of the most respected in the league. Ward’s injury history and brief absence against Baltimore reminded fans how thin the margin remains.

For the Browns, Ward’s health remains just as important as the financial maneuvering that secured extra cap space. Their Super Bowl aspirations depend on having their $100 million cornerback on the field.