The Cleveland Browns had an exciting open practice at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, August 8, 2021.
40,000 fans showed up to see their team in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Naturally, the fans wanted to see all of the Browns stars and had questions about those who were not on the field.
Those included free safety Grant Delpit and cornerback Denzel Ward.
Here are the status updates for each player.
Grant Delpit
Delpit is coming back from a season-ending Achilles injury that he suffered during the 2020 preseason.
As with other injured players recovering from serious injuries, the coaching staff has been careful about bringing them back slowly and methodically.
However, Delpit is now dealing with what is described as a hamstring issue which sidelined him during Sunday’s practice.
Hopefully Delpit works through all of the above issues and is on the field for Week 1.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said S Grant Delpit dealing with hamstring injury. Hasn’t practiced since Monday.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 8, 2021
Denzel Ward
Ward is reportedly completely healthy.
That is a welcome change given he has missed 11 games for various injuries and illnesses during his three-year career.
Ward’s absence on Sunday was nothing more than a rest day.
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said CB Denzel Ward had normal rest day today and S Grant Delpit is dealing with hamstring injury.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 8, 2021
His name made headlines because there have been reports that the Browns are in talks with him about a contract extension.
Ward, whose fifth-year option was exercised, is slated to be a Brown (under his rookie deal) through the end of the 2022 season.
UPDATE: #Browns have now started talking with Denzel Ward about a possible extension, per @JFowlerESPN https://t.co/JKMGmU5tKC
— Noah Weiskopf (@BrownsWithNoah) August 8, 2021
While an extension is good news for Browns fans, many are more concerned with Ward staying healthy for the entire 2021 season.
Browns Off On Monday
The entire team gets a rest day on Monday, August 9.
There has been a lot of attention to preserving the health and wellness of all players by giving them ample rest during training camp.
WR Jarvis Landry getting a day off. Coaching staff has been mindful of workloads in camp #Browns
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 6, 2021
This is good news because a long 17-week regular season lies ahead, and a healthy Browns team is needed to make a playoff run.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Brings QB RV Back To Training Camp
I wish these “people concerned because someone misses games” would understand that is part of the game and no reason to chase a great player off.
In all reality the haters will always hate because these people make more money