CLEVELAND — As the Cleveland Browns look to get above .500 for the first time since 2014, they'll be with two of their most important defenders. Prior to kickoff on Sunday, the Browns announced that cornerback Denzel Ward and linebacker Mack Wilson will both be active and available to play vs. the Washington Football Team.
While Ward had previously played in the first two games of Cleveland's season, his availability vs. Washington had come into question as he dealt with a groin injury in the days leading up to Sunday's matchup. The Browns' top cornerback, Ward's presence will provide a big boost in a Cleveland secondary still without Greedy Williams, who continues to rehabilitate a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Sunday will mark Wilson's 2020 debut after the second-year linebacker suffered a hyperextended knee in training camp. Although Wilson is active, the Browns are still listing Malcolm Smith as their starter at the WILL linebacker position.
Additionally, starting defensive end Olivier Vernon will miss his second straight game with an abdomen injury. Fortunately for Cleveland, his backup, Adrian Clayborn, will be available to play on Sunday after previously being questionable with a hip injury that he suffered in the Browns' Week 2 win vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cleveland's full list of inactive players is as follows:
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
- CB Greedy Williams
- LB Jacob Phillips
- DE Olivier Vernon
- G Evan Brown
- WR Rashard Higgins
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