It is the Week 15 Sunday of the NFL Season.
The Cleveland Browns continue to prepare for the Raiders game scheduled for Monday afternoon while actively trying to get healthy players back from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Here are the news and notes for Sunday, December 19.
1. COVID-19 Status Changes: Add One And Take One Off
The Browns activated defensive end Takk McKinley from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
He is reportedly the first Browns player to test off the list per the new NFL COVID protocols announced on Thursday.
It appears D-end Takk McKinley was the first #Browns player to test off COVID-19 list under new rules NFL and NFLPA adopted Thursday. LB Anthony Walker Jr. said he wasn't told he was the first to benefit from those new protocols, adding he tested negative twice to get off list.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) December 18, 2021
Right tackle James Hudson tested positive and was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
#Browns RT James Hudson is headed to the COVID reserve list. That’s three starting offensive lineman on the list.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2021
2. Other Roster Moves
Wide receiver Anthony Schwartz is out of concussion protocol and returned to practice on Saturday; his status is questionable for Monday.
#Browns WR Anthony Schwartz is now listed as questionable for Monday
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) December 18, 2021
Linebacker Willie Harvey Jr. is signed to the active roster.
Defensive end Porter Gustin is activated from the practice squad.
Cornerback Bryan Mills is signed to the practice squad.
The Browns will be without cornerback Greg Newsome on Monday as he has been officially ruled out while still progressing through the concussion protocol.
The #Browns have signed LB Willie Harvey Jr. to the active roster, activated DE Porter Gustin from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacment and signed CB Bryan Mills to the practice squad.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 18, 2021
3. Saturday’s Practice
Coach Stefanski watched practice from home, and players were brought in shifts.
Other additional precautions were taken with Myles Garrett for obvious reasons.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said team took precautions while practicing indoors today, how players entered building, etc., opened field house as much as possible (it has garage doors)
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) December 18, 2021
Stefanski said #Browns were brought in today in shifts, Myles Garrett has been kept at a safe distance.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) December 18, 2021
4. Deadline To Be Active For Monday’s Game
The NFL has stipulated that the Browns players have until 2:00 PM on Monday to make transactions for players for the 5:00 PM game.
The NFL informed the #Browns and #Raiders they have until 2 p.m. ET Monday to make transactions for their rescheduled game, per source.
So, still another 48 hours or so for Baker Mayfield and company to test out of revamped COVID protocols and play Monday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 18, 2021
Obviously, there are still many question marks as to who will be playing on Monday.
Coach Stefanski addressed the uncertainty with his usual strong and positive leadership style.
“We don’t know…There’s uncertainty there. If guys make it back, great. If not, that’s fine too. That’s our mentality. Not something we’re counting on.”
.#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on if any players will return from the COVID-19 list for Monday: "We don't know…There's uncertainty there. If guys make it back, great. If not, that's fine too. That's our mentality. Not something we're counting on."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) December 18, 2021
At this point, there is nothing more the Browns can do besides watchfully wait and prepare with whoever is healthy and available.
Though it is not a gameday Sunday, it will be an interesting day nonetheless.
NEXT: Report: Browns Game Was Very Close To A Forfeit
