CLEVELAND — Cleveland’s COVID-19 concerns are growing, with two more positive cases and the Browns trying to get ready to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
>>PREVIOUS REPORT: Browns close facility, delay practice after 2 positive tests
The Browns closed their facility for the second straight day so they can conduct close contact tracing. Practice will likely be pushed back again while tracing continues.
>>Steelers to sit Roethlisberger for finale against Browns
The NFL said there is no change to the status of the game.
The Browns can clinch their first playoff berth since 2002 with a win over Pittsburgh, which will rest several starters, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
It’s the latest virus-related issue for the Browns, who were without eight players -- including their top four wide receivers -- last week and lost to the New York Jets. Some of those players are eligible to return Thursday.
The team has nine players on the COVID-19 list -- the four wide receivers, safeties Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph, linebackers B.J. Goodson and Jacob Phillips and tight end Harrison Bryant.
Goodson and Sendejo tested positive with the virus and will miss Sunday’s game. The others are considered high-risk contacts and could return if they continue to test negative.
Our team will continue to work remotely this morning. pic.twitter.com/6ttbajfnFi
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 31, 2020
Cox Media Group
