Grant Delpit Clears Protocol While Denzel Ward's Hand Injury Forces a Pregame Pop Quiz

The Cleveland Browns' secondary is currently operating like a sketchy used car lot. Some parts are fully functional, and others you just have to kick the tires on right before you pull out of the driveway.

According to Ian Rapoport, safety Grant Delpit has officially cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and is green-lit for today's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, cornerback Denzel Ward is treating pregame warmups like a final exam for his injured hand to see if he can actually play.

"Ian Rapoport reported that Delpit cleared protocol and will play, while Ward will warm up and see if he can go."

Delpit got knocked out of Cleveland's Week 6 rock fight against the Baltimore Ravens with a Grade 1 concussion. Getting him back is massive for a defense that relies on him to do a little bit of everything. For context, he already has 24 tackles, a sack, and an interception through six games this season, proving he is the duct tape holding this unit together.

Ward's situation is a bit more precarious. A hand injury for a cornerback is like a broken spacebar for a writer. You can technically still do your job, but it is going to look incredibly sloppy and everyone will notice. He is officially questionable, and the medical staff will be watching him closely during warmups to see if he can actually jam receivers without wincing.

For anyone holding a ticket on the Browns' defense or eyeing the under, Delpit's return stabilizes the back end. But if Ward cannot go, or if he plays like a guy actively trying to protect his hand, the Titans are going to have a much easier time finding open grass.

We will know Ward's official status shortly before kickoff. Until then, Cleveland fans can at least exhale knowing Delpit is back in the lineup to clean up whatever messes happen in front of him.