Should Denzel Ward Be Concerned About Concussion History?

Concussions in the NFL have become all-too-commonplace and are happening with frightening frequency around the league. Rule changes by the league have be instituted in attempts to protect players from helmet-to-helmet contact and other dangerous scenarios.

But sometimes, stuff happens.

Cleveland Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward hit his head on the ground on Monday and has been in the concussion protocol since. The scary part for Ward is that this would be his fifth concussion since joining the league in 2018.

While he hasn’t been formally diagnosed with a concussion, Ward has not been on the field since the incident on Monday. Ward suffered a concussion last season as well. When he was asked about it, he was very candid with his response.

“I don’t think you can take any concussion lightly, but I’m good,” Ward said last September. “I feel great, ready to play the game. I take the necessary steps of healing up and doing the exercising and things that the doctors tell me.

“So, I feel good, I’m out there, I’m ready to play, enjoy playing the game of football and I’m not too concerned. I’m good.”

Related: Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings: Game Preview

Ward is the Browns' top corner and a three-time Pro Bowler for Cleveland. The organization will hold him out of the rest of the preseason as a precaution. By all indications, he could be available for Week 1, a home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Browns play host to the Minnesota Vikings this Saturday at 4:25 p.m. EST. ... and Ward will rightfully be watching from the safety of somewhere other than the playing field.