The Cleveland Browns will likely be without several key players during Sunday afternoon’s game against the New York Jets.
On Saturday, the Browns put starting middle linebacker B.J. Goodson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday after he tested positive for coronavirus.
Goodson, 27, will sit out the Browns’ final two regular-season games against the 1-13 Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Week 17’s matchup against the Steelers could determine the winner of the AFC North division.
The Browns haven’t won a division title since 1989.
Headed into Week 16, Goodson leads the Browns in tackles (91) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions (two).
The fifth-year linebacker also has a half sack, six passes defended and a fumble recovery this season.
We've made the following roster moves:
Placed on Reserve/COVID-19:
LB B.J. GoodsonActivated from Reserve/COVID-19:
T Jedrick Wills Jr.Elevated from practice squad:
C Javon Patterson (COVID-19 replacement) pic.twitter.com/LngaU6zGMM— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 26, 2020
The NFL mandates that players who test positive for coronavirus must remain away from the team for at least 10 days regardless of whether they’re symptomatic.
The Browns could replace Goodson with Tae Davis, Malcolm Smith or Mack Wilson.
On Sunday, the Browns could potentially clinch their first playoff berth since the 2002 season.
The Browns will also put wide receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The team will also put linebacker Jacob Phillips on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Browns have elevated wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley, linebacker Montrel Meander and wide receiver Derrick Willies from the practice squad.
We've placed WR Rashard Higgins, WR KhaDarel Hodge, WR Jarvis Landry, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones & LB Jacob Phillips on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
In addition, we've elevated (Contagious Disease Addendum) WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, LB Montrel Meander & WR Derrick Willies from the PS. pic.twitter.com/sCSte9PejF
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 26, 2020
Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and Donovan People-Jones have been deemed High-Risk-Close-Contacts, per @mortreport and me. Browns awaiting further instruction but all three now could be out Sunday vs. Jets. https://t.co/TyMsq3IPhV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 26, 2020
The Browns are awaiting further instruction from the NFL.
They also activated offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. off the COVID-19/reserve list.
It comes after the Browns put Wills on the COVID-19/reserve list on Thursday.
Wills came into close contact with someone outside of the Browns facility that tested positive for COVID-19.
The rookie left tackle is expected to make his 15th start of the season during Sunday’s game against the Jets as long as he continues to test negative for coronavirus.
On Saturday, the Browns closed their team facility and delayed their flight to New Jersey after a player tested positive for COVID-19.
The team flight is expected to leave for New Jersey at 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
The Browns are conducting contact tracing.
“The team is holding meetings remotely as we continue to consult with the NFL and medical experts on the appropriate next steps as the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and the entire community remains our highest priority,” the team tweeted in a statement.
Our facility is closed and our flight to New Jersey has been delayed while contact tracing is being conducted. pic.twitter.com/eAJMHw1hj4
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 26, 2020
Browns are set to depart for New Jersey at 7 p.m.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) December 26, 2020
The Browns also elevated center Javon Patterson from the practice squad as a potential COVID-19 replacement player.
The Browns’ offensive line is still missing a starter even with Wills expected to play.
Rookie fifth-round draft pick Nick Harris is expected to start in place of injured right guard Wyatt Teller.
Teller is ruled out for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.
The Browns started Chris Hubbard for Teller against the New York Giants, but Hubbard suffered a season-ending knee injury.
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