Browns finally get a chance to practice

CLEVELAND — The Browns can finally practice for the playoffs.

The team was granted permission Friday by the NFL to resume normal activities — by 2021 standards — at its training facility, which has been closed since Tuesday when coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive for COVID-19 along with Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio and three others.

A team spokesman said practice will start at 4:30 p.m. The indoor workout is closed to the media.

The Browns have been kept off the field and limited to virtual meetings in advance of Sunday night’s wild-card game in Pittsburgh. It’s the Browns’ first postseason appearance since the 2002 season.

The league maintains the game will be played as scheduled despite the Browns being without Stefanski and other players due to the virus. The Browns have seven players and six coaches, including Stefanski, who are unable to be around the team due to COVID-19 protocols.

Saints without star DE vs. Bears: The Saints have ruled out defensive end Trey Hendrickson for Sunday’s playoff opener against the Bears. Hendrickson has a team-high 13.5 sacks.

Rams activate Brockers: The Rams have activated defensive lineman Michael Brockers from the reserve/ COVID-19 list, the team announced Friday. The Rams are scheduled to play the Seahawks in a wild-card playoff game Saturday.

Bills could be missing top WRs: The Bills could be without their top two wide receivers, as Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley are listed as questionable for Saturday’s playoff matchup with the Colts. Diggs has an oblique injury and Beasley has a knee injury.