Steelers-Browns on as Scheduled after Browns Get Negative COVID-19 Tests
The Browns had no new COVID-19 tests on Sunday, and the Sunday night game between Cleveland and the Pittsburgh Steelers is on as scheduled, according to a reports by Adam Schefter of ESPN and Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, as the Browns appear to have gotten over the worst of their multi-week COVID-19 outbreak.
Both Cleveland’s Saturday tests that were returned on Sunday and additional point-of-care tests taken in Pittsburgh Sunday came back clean for the Browns.
Cleveland will still be missing some players, including top cornerbacks Kevin Johnson and Denzel Ward, starting left guard Joel Bitonio, wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, safety Javonte Moffat and several coaches, including head coach Kevin Stefanski, but there have been no new positive test back for multiple days.
The Browns flew into Pittsburgh on Saturday, in an unusual step for the teams just two hours apart by coach, which was done in an attempt to lessen the time traveling together for the Cleveland team. Additionally, the Cleveland coaches took cars to Pittsburgh so that the team could spread out more on the flight.
Starting right tackle Jack Conklin also traveled to Pittsburgh separately from the team, according to a report by Mark Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He has not tested positive for COVID-19, but COVID-like symptoms held him out of practice on Friday.
Cornerback Terrance Mitchell and safety Ronnie Harrison both made the trip to Pittsburgh after turning in what the league has deemed were false-positive tests.
Additionally, five Browns are questionable to play with injuries, though Stefanski said that he expects defensive linemen Myles Garrett (shoulder) and Sheldon Richardson (neck) to suit up.
Wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, who suffered a concussion in last Sunday’s game, returned to practice on Friday for Cleveland and should be in line to play as the Browns’ No. 3 receiver if he does not suffer a setback.
Cornerback M.J. Stewart Jr. (calf) and right guard Wyatt Teller (ankle) are also questionable.
Stefanski did not travel to the team with Pittsburgh, and will not even be allowed to be in contact with his team once the game begins. Special teams coach Mike Priefer will serve as Cleveland’s interim head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call the plays for the Browns’ offense.
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