CLEVELAND — The hits keep coming for the Cleveland Browns.
A day after the team announced that three starters will be absent from its matchup vs. the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that a fourth Cleveland starter will be missing the primetime contest. According to Schefter, cornerback Denzel Ward will miss the Sunday Night Football showdown between the Browns and Rams due to a hamstring injury.
A Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018, Ward tallied 3 interceptions and 11 pass defenses a season ago. In two games in 2019, the Ohio State product has recorded a total of 7 tackles and 1 QB hit.
After first showing up on the Browns' injury report following practice on Wednesday, Ward is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Co-starter Greedy Williams is also listed as questionable with a hamstring injury of his own.
The absence of either, let alone both, would be significant as Cleveland prepares to face a Los Angeles offense considered one of the most potent in the NFL. With Jared Goff at quarterback and All-Pro running back Todd Gurley coming out of the backfield, the Rams lay claim to a receiver trio of Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks that's as formidable as any in the league.
Without Ward and potentially Williams, Terrance Mitchell will likely see increased reps, while nickel T.J. Carrie could be shifted to the outside. On Friday, the Browns elevated rookie cornerback Robert Jackson from their practice squad to their main roster.
In addition to at least Ward, the Browns will be without linebacker Christian Kirksey, tight end David Njoku and safety Damarious Randall on Sunday. Kirksey (chest) and Njoku (wrist) have each been played on Injured Reserve, while Randall will be sidelined with a concussion for a second straight week.
