The Cleveland Browns have closed down their facility for the third time in four days after yet another positive COVID-19 test within the organization.
Once again, the team will conduct contact tracing and work remotely while preparing for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns can clinch their first playoff spot in 17 seasons with a victory.
For the second time this week, a member of Cleveland’s coaching staff tested positive for the virus. Coach Kevin Stefanski had already announced Friday that the Browns would be without wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea, and that Callie Brownson will fill his role against the Steelers.
The Browns have battled COVID-19 issues all week. They had to shut down their practice facility Wednesday and Thursday, and canceled Thursday’s practice following consecutive days of positive tests.
Star cornerback Denzel Ward, tight end Harrison Bryant, linebackers Malcolm Smith and B.J. Goodson, and safety Andrew Sendejo have all tested positive in the past week, according to ESPN and multiple reports. Bryant and Sendejo were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, and Smith and Ward were added to it Thursday. Goodson went on the list last Saturday. All five will miss Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
Despite the new cases, the game at Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium has remained on schedule, according to an NFL spokesman. The league is closely monitoring the Browns’ situation and overseeing standard contact tracing. The NFL’s Dr. Allen Sills has said that there’s been no indication that an outbreak within the Browns organization was underway.