Browns DC: Ward's back spasms result of 'stupid' tackling

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams criticized cornerback Denzel Ward on Sunday, stating the rookie's back spasms are a direct result of poor tackling.

Ward, selected fourth overall by the Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft, left Thursday's preseason game following an awkward landing while making a tackle on Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. An MRI revealed back spasms but he avoided structural damage.

"I was glad to hear (it wasn't serious) and maybe he'll finally listen to me and stop doing those stupid things the way he's trying to tackle and tackle the way I tell him to tackle and he won't get hurt," Williams told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Ward returned to practice Saturday without further incident.

"I think this was a good enough shock that maybe he thinks that I might know what I'm talking about,'' Williams added.

Browns head coach Hue Jackson praised Ward for his willingness to learn but echoed Williams' sentiments toward Ward's unsatisfactory tackling.

"He's come a long ways,'' Jackson said. "He's done a very good job with what we've asked him to do and it's been a big learning curve for him ... He just needs to stay healthy. He needs to tackle the way I tell him to tackle.''