Cleveland rocked: Browns lose coach to virus for Steelers
By admin - January 5, 2021
Cornavirus has hit the Cleveland Browns, and at the worst possible time. Here are the highlights:
- COVID-19 will keep coach Kevin Stefanki — and at least two players — form participating in the team’s first playoff game since the 2002 season.
- According to the Browns, Stefanski tested positive with the virus. The announcement comes as the Pittsburgh Steelers will vie with the Browns for the wild card win.
- The Browns defeated the Steelers, 24-22, on Sunday.
- Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio, wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and two coaching staff members — tight ends coach Drew Petzing and defensive backs coach Jeff Howard — also tested positive.
- Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach Sunday.
- NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there is no change to the status of Sunday night’s game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
- “If any players or personnel are identified as such, they would remain apart from the team and facilities for five days from the last exposure to a positive individual,” McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press. “They would be eligible to return to the team and play in the game.”