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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns have a chance to weather all of the adversity of the past two weeks and end their 17-season playoff drought against the Steelers today at FirstEnergy Stadium.
It’s been another tough week for COVID-19, with Denzel Ward, Malcolm Smith and Harrison Bryant all testing positive and Ward’s replacement Kevin Johnson placed on the virus reserve list late Saturday night, either as close contact either as a positive.
The Browns also have three coaches on the COVID-19 reserve list: offensive line coach Bill Callahan, receivers coach Chad O’Shea and assistant offensive line coach Scott Peters.
Some pre-match notes:
1. Wyatt Teller should play
In a perfect world, Teller would have missed this game with his high sprained ankle, but now is the time and he will play. Teller missed three games with a sprained ankle suffered against the Ravens on Dec. 14, and he might not be 100% today.
But even 80% of Teller is better than most guards. Additionally, the Steelers will rest Pro Bowlers TJ Watt and Cam Heyward today, so Teller doesn’t have to face them.
Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., who missed the Jets game with a flu-like illness that was not COVID-19, is back on his own this week.
2. Myles Garrett can set the team sack record and strengthen his case for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
With Mason Rudolph starting the game and Pro Bowl cross Maurkice Pouncey resting, Garrett could have a monster day. He had his best game against the Jets last week since returning from COVID-19, and would have had a strip bag if the official hadn’t whistled too soon.
He’s No.6 in the NFL with 12 sacks, but he’s just three short of NFL leader Watt, who is missing this game. With a strip-sack or two, Garrett can defend himself for the coveted NFL Defensive Player of the Year award which he missed last season.
He also only needs 2.5 sacks to achieve another goal of breaking the Browns’ 14 sack record set by Reggie Camp in 1984.
Named captain for this game, Garrett expects to be off today and possibly complete some individual goals en route to helping the Browns advance to the playoffs.
3. Denzel Ward may have to miss the playoff game
The Browns will be hoping to have Ward back for the playoff game next weekend if they can, but he’ll cut him close whether or not the game is on Saturday or Sunday. Ward must self-isolate for at least 10 days from the time he first reported symptoms or when his test was given, then he must pass the cardiac screening and be cleared for action.
He was placed on the list Thursday afternoon, so it is not yet known whether his positive test was given on Wednesday or Thursday. It could make a difference depending on whether it is symptomatic or not.
To make matters worse, his replacement, Kevin Johnson, was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Saturday evening. Because the news has arrived so late, Johnson could be a close contact, which means he would have a decent chance of returning for the playoff game next weekend.
But the Browns will be challenged on secondary Sunday with Ward, Johnson and Andrew Sendejo (positive for COVID-19) all out.
4. OL coach Bill Callahan also doubtful
The Browns will likely have to be without Callahan in the playoffs if they are successful. Callahan, who was feeling well on Friday night, tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday and must self-isolate for 10 days. That would keep him at home in a playoff game on Saturday or Sunday. His online assistant coach Scott Peters was a close contact and will likely be available for a playoff game.
The Browns are hoping receiver coach / passing game coordinator Chad O’Shea returns for the playoffs. He tested positive on Wednesday and his 10-day minimum would expire on Friday.
On Sunday, Callahan won’t be on hand to help the Browns adjust to whatever the Steelers’ sophisticated forward throws at them.
5. The NFL gave the Brown good comments
The NFL applauded the Browns for handling their COVID-19 crisis over the past two weeks. The league told the Browns most of the positive tests were out of their control and they were going above and beyond the call of duty in adhering to protocols.
The only missteps came in the days leading up to the Jets game, when a few players had their masks on incorrectly in the recovery area, where they came into contact with linebacker BJ Goodson. The rest of the positives came from outside the facility and the contacts were mostly contained
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New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can purchase Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All NFL profits have been donated to the CDC Foundation.
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