BROWNS CAN'T ESCAPE COVID WOES
Team short-handed for playoff contest, unable to practice on the field all week
What now, Brown cow?
What else — more COVID problems in Cleveland.
Two more Browns were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday — starting S Ronnie Harrison and practice squad LB Montrel Meander — just as veteran S Andrew Sendejo was coming off.
The Browns have seven players from the 53-man roster, two from the practice squad, and coaches including head man Kevin Stefanski on the COVID list.
Yet their wild card game on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers is still a go.
For now.
Friday will be a critical day in Ohio's second-largest city as contact tracing continues.
Previously the virus was believed to have been transmitted through community spread, but after the additions of Harrison and Meander to the list, the NFL's chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, told the NFL Network “there was some spread from one individual to another” among the Browns.
Meanwhile, heading into Thursday, the Browns' preparations for the Steelers had been restricted to remote workouts and meetings. Early in the day, quarterback Baker Mayfield admitted he hadn't thrown a ball all week.
“It won't have an impact,” Mayfield said of the team not having any field prep work. “Just adapt and play. All we wanted was a chance and we got it. We're in, and once you're in the dance, anything can happen. However or whatever it takes to get a W on Sunday night, that's what our team is going to be ready to do.”
The way things are shaping up, a Browns victory at Heinz Field would qualify as one of the greatest playoff upsets of all time. EM-VEE-PEE: At 37 years old, Aaron Rodgers hasn't missed a practice and taken 98 per cent of the offensive snaps for the Green Bay Packers this season. In the process, he had a league leading (and career best) 70.7 per cent completion rate, while also topping all quarterbacks with 48 touchdown passes (to go along with just five interceptions) and a 121.5 passer rating.
“I definitely feel as good as I've felt after the season in … I can't even remember,” said Rodgers, who believes part of that has to do with the off-season work he put in, plus the fact he was sacked just 20 times. “But it's been one of those years. Sometimes you can't avoid those things. Just things happen. Guys can fall on your legs or take a misstep. But this year I have thankfully avoided those and feel really good.”
As a result, Rodgers should snap the string of young QBs (Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes) winning the MVP award. He's been named the NFL's MVP two times before, in 2011 and 2014.
OFF THE TEE: The Houston Texans have hired Nick Caserio as their new GM. Caserio spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, the last 13 as their director of player personnel. It's believed in his corner was Jack Easterby, the Texans' VP of football operations. The two worked together in New England for six seasons … A story by John McClain in the Houston Chronicle says Patriots offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels “will not be the Texans' next head coach.” Heck, if Bill Belichick ever decided to jump ship, he would be five hours closer to his hometown of Nashville than he is now.
DOWN AND OUTS: Four seasons after making headlines as the first openly gay coach in the NFL, Katie Sowers and the San Francisco 49ers are parting ways.
“I will sadly not be back,” Sowers, who was also the 49ers' first female coach and the first female to coach in a Super Bowl, told the San Jose Mercury
News. No further explanation was given … The Steelers had to inform season ticket holders and other fans that they wouldn't be allowed to attend Sunday's game at Heinz Field. “We were hoping to receive approval to host fans for the playoffs at a capacity similar to our games in October and November,” said team spokesman Burt Lauten, referring to attendance in games against the Eagles (4,708), Browns (5,260) and Bengals (15,909). “But unfortunately, the state's orders will only permit 2,500 total people in the building, including players, coaches and staff. This will limit fans in the seating bowl to family and friends of players and the team.” … Saints RB Alvin Kamara is participating in live practices using a video decoder at his home, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Kamara is scheduled to come off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Sunday, the day New Orleans hosts the Chicago Bears. While coach Sean Payton would only say “we'll see” when asked earlier this week if Kamara would play, quarterback Drew Brees said “Alvin will be fine,” despite not practicing before the game ... Bucs WR Mike Evans practised on Thursday and could play one week after hyperextending his knee. “I think he's got a chance,” said coach Brian Arians. “He'll be a game-time decision.” Teammates believe Evans will battle through the injury. “I wouldn't want to be the telling Mike he can't go,” said WR Chris Godwin. Evans has recorded at least 1,000 yards in each of his seven seasons with the Bucs.