Browns' Denzel Ward Reportedly out 'A Few Weeks' with Calf Injury

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward is reportedly set to miss "a few weeks' after suffering a calf strain against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the news Tuesday.

The cornerback played all 68 defensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Eagles, grabbing one interception while adding four passes defended. 

Ward, who Cleveland took fourth overall in the 2018 NFL draft, has 38 tackles, two interceptions and a NFL-best 15 passes defended in 2020. 

The ex-Ohio State Buckeye had 44 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions in 2019. He had 53 tackles, 11 passes defended and three picks in 13 games during his rookie campaign.

Unfortunately, Ward suffered two concussions that forced him to miss three games in 2018. He missed four early-season games in 2019 with a hamstring injury but came back for good in Week 7.

Terrance Mitchell will still man the other outside corner spot in Ward's absence, and Kevin Johnson should take the empty starting role, per the team's depth chart.

Johnson played his first four seasons with the Houston Texans before suiting up for the Buffalo Bills in 2019.

Drafted 16th overall out of Wake Forest, Johnson has suffered a broken foot, an MCL sprain and a concussion, forcing him to miss 29 of a possible 64 games from 2016 to 2019.

However, the talented Johnson was a highly touted prospect based on his draft status, and the talent is evident. Of note, Pro Football Reference credits him with allowing just 59.1 percent of passes completed and 6.8 yards per targets in 2019.