One coach exits protocol, two enter
The Browns got their coach back on the sideline. The Jets and Eagles might be without theirs this weekend.
The Bills will be without wide receiver Cole Beasley, who has been among the NFL’s most outspoken critics of vaccinations.
Browns second-year coach Kevin Stefanski cleared COVID-19 protocols Wednesday and returned to the team after missing Monday’s 16-14 home loss to the Raiders. Stefanski also sat out the Browns’ playoff win at Pittsburgh last season after testing positive.
“Good to be back,” Stefanski told reporters on a Zoom call from the team’s Berea, Ohio, facility. “Obviously, working remotely is something that we all did a bunch of last year so it is definitely doable to work remotely, game plan remotely, run meetings, etc., but good to be back in person.”
Meanwhile, the Jets’ Robert Saleh and Eagles’ Nick Sirianni tested positive for COVID-19 after feeling symptoms in the morning.
For New York, it’s the latest in what has been a surge of coronavirus cases on the team. Tight ends coach Ron Middleton coached practice in Saleh’s absence after finding out about 45 minutes before that the head coach wouldn’t be able to run the session. Saleh, who plans to continue running team meetings virtually, could return as soon as Thursday if he no longer shows symptoms and tests negative.
If Saleh doesn’t test out of the COVID-19 protocols before Sunday, Middleton will also serve as the head coach in New York’s game against the Jaguars.
Sirianni also tested positive after feeling symptoms. He’s isolating at a hotel and passgame coordinator Kevin Patullo would handle coaching duties if Sirianni doesn’t clear protocols in time for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
“I’m feeling a little bit better now, which is good,’’ Sirianni said.
Now that they’ve got their coach back, the Browns hope more players return as they get ready on a short week for a Christmas visit to the NFC-leading Packers (11-3). The Browns were rocked by the virus last week, when an outbreak led to 22 players missing the rescheduled game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield still hasn’t produced a required negative test and his status at Green Bay is unclear.
Browns starting rookie cornerback Greg Newsome, a Northwestern product, was added to the COVID-19 list. He has missed the last two games with a concussion.
Beasley will not play because he is unvaccinated and will have to miss a minimum 10 days after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.
In notes posted on his Instagram account, Beasley said he is experiencing mild symptoms. He then placed the blame on the NFL’s protocols by writing: “Just to be clear, Covid is not keeping me out of this game. The rules are.”
† Brandin Cooks, who leads the Texans with 945 yards receiving, and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn were placed on the COVID-19 list.
† The Chargers added standout running back Austin Ekeler and receiver Jaylen Guyton to the list, but coach Brandon Staley was optimistic both can return to play Sunday against Houston.
QB Lock to start for Broncos
Drew Lock is preparing for his first — and maybe final — start of 2021 for the Broncos.
Coach Vic Fangio ruled out starter Teddy Bridgewater, who has a concussion, for their game Sunday against the Raiders but said it’s possible he’ll return next week against the Chargers if he’s medically cleared. So, Bridgewater will get his gig back if he’s healthy even if Lock lights it up in Las Vegas.
Buccaneers sign RB Bell
The Buccaneers have addressed the need for experienced depth at running back by signing former All-Pro Le’Veon Bell.
Bell was released this season after appearing in five games with the Ravens.
Panthers: Cam, Darnold will both play
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Cam Newton will start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and have a “major role” in the game, while Sam Darnold also is set to get playing time at quarterback.