The Cleveland Browns have shut down their facility and are going all virtual after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced on Wednesday morning.
Cleveland’s statement on the situation is as follows:
“The Cleveland Browns were informed this morning that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The facility is currently closed and meetings will take place remotely while contact tracing is conducted to identify any potential high-risk close contacts. The team will continue to consult with the league 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.”
While the positive test didn’t come from a player, the Browns aren’t out of the woods yet in that regard, as contact tracing could lead to players being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, leaving their status up in the air for the Week 13 contest against the Tennessee Titans.
And, as we know, it can often take days for others who are infected to test positive for the virus, so this is something to monitor throughout the week. More positive tests could limit the Browns’ opportunities to practice.
The Browns recently activated star defensive end Myles Garrett off the Reserve/COVID-19 list, but three players still remain on it in defensive ends Porter Gustin and Joe Jackson, and linebacker Sione Takitaki. Of course, those three players were already on the list before this positive test.
Meanwhile, the Titans, a team that experienced a massive outbreak earlier this season, have just one player on the Reserve/COVID-19 list in defensive back and 2020 seventh-round pick, Chris Jackson.
The Titans are Browns are set for kickoff at noon CT on Sunday.
