Week 16 was supposed to be an easy one for the Cleveland Browns.
But Covid makes everything complicated in 2020.
The team announced its facilities are closed and their flight to NJ delayed due to a positive test Saturday.
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
There is no word on who tested positive except that it is a player.
Contact tracing is in progress to determine if other players or coaches might need to isolate.
There is no scenario where a player or coach can participate in a game one day after a positive test or close contact flag.
Cleveland’s organization must await guidance from the NFL’s medical advisors before traveling.
That guidance will address isolation and travel concerns related to this week’s game.
Jets Game Presenting Multiple Challenges
New York, winless until last week, looked like an easy target for the Cleveland Browns.
But the Jets served notice they are to be reckoned with by beating the heavily-favored Rams in Los Angeles.
Then the Jets lost their best pass rusher in Quinnen Williams.
The Browns countered by putting Chris Hubbard on injured reserve and ruling out Wyatt Teller for another week.
We have placed T Jedrick Wills Jr. on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and WR Ryan Switzer on the Practice Squad/COVID-19 list. pic.twitter.com/qEUIzwkx0G
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 24, 2020
To add insult to injury, the team added Jedrick Wills to the Covid-19 list too late to play against the Jets.
There were no close contacts reported in relation to Brown.
Cleveland did not mention what position group the player who tested positive this morning affects.
Covid Affecting Many
Detroit plays without several coaches, including interim head coach Darrell Bevell, this weekend.
The group includes multiple close contacts with another coach who tested positive.
Myles Garrett remains slowed by breathing issues weeks after treatment and clearance for Covid-19.
#Browns Myles Garrett said his shortness of breath is causing him to get choked up after games. Said he had a coughing fit in the locker room. He's definitely still feeling the effects of COVID-19.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 21, 2020
A positive Covid test delayed Dez Bryant‘s comeback, although it proved to be negative in the following days.
Every team in the NFL operates under enhanced Covid protocols since Thanksgiving.
The league pushed the stricter rules after a rash of positive tests, and in response to the nationwide trends.
Browns Nation will follow this situation as it develops.
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