Cowboys vs. Browns: Key Injury For Cleveland Cornerback?

DALLAS - The Dallas Cowboys will be on the road to start the season when they take on the Cleveland Browns. They could catch a break if Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward is unable to play.

Ward experienced his fifth known concussion back on Aug 12 in practice. He has been in the concussion protocol ever since. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked for an update on Ward when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"Yeah, he's doing well," Stefanski said. "As you know, he's progressing. Certain benchmarks you need to hit and that type of thing, but he is doing well."

The 27-year-old cornerback has risen to elite status in the league and was a key component in last year’s top ranked defense. Ward has returned to the practice field in a limited capacity.

If Ward is able to go, he would likely be matched up on Cowboys All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb for most of the way. If Ward is unable to play the Cowboys would have a distinct advantage on offense.

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The game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 8 and will be played at Cleveland Browns Stadium. This is the FOX NFL Game of the Week and will be the only game broadcast in this time slot.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CDT.