The Cleveland Browns were informed Thursday another player tested positive for COVID-19 and the team鈥檚 facility was closed, while their Sunday opponent already had several coaches isolating.
The Browns placed linebacker Sione Takitaki on the COVID-19 list Wednesday, joining four other players: lineman Chris Hubbard, Fullback Andy Janovich, and defensive ends Joe Jackson and Myles Garrett. Stefanski said Hubbard could return before Sunday鈥檚 game in Jacksonville.
鈥淲e鈥檙e working through contact tracing, so with that, we鈥檒l hold a few guys, players and staff, out of the workouts this afternoon,鈥� Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters before practice Wednesday. 鈥淏ut we will open the building and that鈥檚 what we鈥檝e been working on this morning. We鈥檒l space this out a little bit, so that we鈥檒l bring the offense in [before the defense.]鈥�
The Browns will have similar protocols Thursday and the team will place another player on the reserve list. Earlier this month, the NFL mandated all teams should follow the league's intensive Covid protocols, which calls for all meetings to be held virtually and players to wear special face shields during practice.
Both the Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to struggle with COVID-19 issues ahead of a scheduled Sunday afternoon kickoff for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Garrett has already been ruled out for Sunday鈥檚 game, but the NFL鈥檚 leader in quarterback sacks could return the following week against the Tennessee Titans.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have isolated their entire defensive coaching staff and defensive coordinator Todd Wash will miss Sunday's game, along with two of his assistants.
The NFL has not yet commented on the status of Sunday鈥檚 Browns game, but the league did postpone the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens game from Thursday night to Sunday because of coronavirus cases in the Ravens organization. It was the first postponement for the NFL since Week 7 in late October.
Stefanski said offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt showed the players a to stress flexibility this week.
鈥淲e understand and we respect the nature of how things are in our country and we鈥檙e trying to make sure everyone鈥檚 safe, that is first and foremost,鈥� Stefanski said. 鈥淲ith that, when we鈥檙e on our Zoom meetings, when we鈥檙e out on the practice field, we are trying to keep it light and have fun while we鈥檙e getting our work done.鈥�
The 7-3 Browns are looking to keep pace in the AFC playoff race. If the game is played, Jacksonville (1-9) coach Doug Marrone announced Wednesday veteran quarterback Mike Glennon will start.
Copyright 2021 90.3 WCPN ideastream. To see more, visit . 9(MDA5NTM4MTIyMDE0MTg3NDc2MTVlZjdmNQ001))