Some key Cleveland Browns stars appear on track to play Thursday night.
Myles Garrett missed Tuesday's practice with a hip injury. Denzel Ward was among Cleveland's notable veterans limited in practice to start a shortened week of preparation before a Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Wednesday's injury report provided good news for Browns fans. While Garrett was limited in Wednesday's practice, the three-time All-Pro doesn't have a status designation for the Thursday Night Football contest. Neither does Ward, who fully participated in practice for the first time this week.
Tight end David Njoku (knee), All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral), wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), and cornerback Greg Newsome II (shoulder) all practiced in full after limited sessions Tuesday. None of them have injury labels for the upcoming AFC North clash.
However, the Browns ruled out offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion) for Thursday's game.
The Browns were likely taking a cautious approach and resting veterans on a condensed schedule.
Garrett, who has missed one game due to injury since the start of the 2021 season, is three sacks away from registering a double-digit tally for the seventh consecutive season.
Meanwhile, Ward is seeking his 11th straight game with a pass breakup. The three-time Pro Bowler didn't sound concerned about potentially missing Thursday's game when speaking to reporters Monday.
"I feel fine. I feel great," Ward said. "I'm gonna be ready come game day."
Garrett and Ward spearheaded a stout Browns defense that allowed the NFL's fewest yards for a playoff participant last season. However, Cleveland has fallen to 19th in total defense during a 2-8 season.
The Browns have relinquished 24.8 points per game after ceding three fourth-quarter touchdowns in Sunday's 35-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
While the Browns are cratering, the 8-2 Steelers enter Thursday's game riding a five-game winning streak. They contained Lamar Jackson in an 18-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Cleveland can play spoiler to its division rival when hosting Pittsburgh. Amazon Prime Video will stream the game starting at 8:15 p.m. ET.
