The Cleveland Browns had a handful of players inactive last week due to COVID-19, and the same is set to take place in the final week of the season. Ahead of the pivotal matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns revealed that the team had two positive tests on Thursday morning.
Here's the statement from the team:
Our team will continue to work remotely this morning. pic.twitter.com/6ttbajfnFi
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 31, 2020
Following the news of Cleveland's positive tests, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Harrison Bryant and Malcolm Smith were the players who tested positive.
Earlier this week, the Browns had to place Bryant, Andrew Sendejo, and Karl Joseph on the reserve/COVID-19 list. While Bryant and Sendejo won't be able to play in Week 17, Joseph could return in time for Sunday's game, per ESPN's Jake Trotter. B.J. Goodson also will not be able to play, and there could be others.
Article Continues BelowIn the days leading up to their clash with the New York Jets in Week 16, Cleveland discovered it had a positive test in the wide receiver room. Provided that, the Browns were without Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and KhaDarel Hodge due to them being deemed high-risk close contacts. The hope is all four receivers will be good to go against Pittsburgh.
The Browns then fell to the Jets, putting them at risk of missing the playoffs. However, the Steelers are going to be sitting some of their notable starters on Sunday, which could be helpful for Cleveland.
With the Browns having multiple positive tests on Thursday, they will conduct all of their meetings remotely. It remains to be seen if Cleveland can return to the practice field prior to the showdown with Pittsburgh to conclude the season.
Even though the Browns achieved their first 10-win season since 2007, they will be shorthanded again against the Steelers, which could prevent them from securing a spot in the playoffs.