Aide, player with Browns post positive COVID tests
Cleveland reopened its facility for practice Wednesday after closing it earlier in the day to conduct contact tracing following an assistant coach and practice squad center Javon Patterson testing positive for COVID-19.
The Browns (10-5) have battled virus issues since Saturday, when they placed their entire receiving corps on the reserve/covid-19 list as high-risk close contacts after linebacker B.J. Goodson tested positive.
Tight end Harrison Bryant and safeties Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo were added to the to the virus list Tuesday. Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’S chief medical officer, said there is no indication a virus outbreak within the Cleveland organization is underway.
The Browns do not expect Sendejo or Goodson back for Sunday’s regular-season finale against Pittsburgh but are hopeful the other players can rejoin the team, starting Thursday. Cleveland can clinch its first playoff berth in 17 seasons with a win Sunday.
■ Vikings: Running back Dalvin Cook will not play Sunday after the unexpected death of his father, James Cook, who was 46. Voted to his second straight Pro Bowl, the 25-year-old has amassed 1,557 yards rushing, 361 yards receiving and 17 TDS in 14 games.
■ Washington: Quarterback
Alex Smith (right calf strain) did not practice, though the 36-yearold said a plan is in place for him to play Sunday. Washington (6-9), which will win the NFC East with a victory, is 4-1 in Smith’s starts this season.
■ Colts: Pro Bowl left tackle Anthony Castonzo will undergo season-ending surgery on his right ankle Thursday, coach Frank Reich said. Also, right tackle Braden Smith and linebacker Jordan Glasgow were activated from the reserve/covid-19 list.
■ Bills: Bills Stadium will be open to 6,772 fans, who will need to register negative COVID-19 tests beforehand and wear face coverings, for the team’s first home playoff game in 25 years, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
■ Jaguars: Rookie running back James Robinson (ankle) won’t play for a second straight week, wide receiver D.J. Chark (shin) is “iffy” to play Sunday, and Mike Glennon will start at quarterback, coach Doug Marrone said.
■ Dolphins: Rookie Tua Tagovailoa will start at quarterback Sunday, coach Brian Flores said. The 22-year-old is 6-2 as a starter but twice has been benched in the fourth quarter, including in Week
16.
■ Eagles: Tight end Dallas Goedert (calf) and wide receiver Desean Jackson (ankle) did not practice. Goedert spent time on injured reserve this season with an ankle issue.
■ Saints: Safety C.J. Gardner-johnson was placed on the reserve/covid-19 list. The 23-yearold has played 87 percent of the team’s defensive snaps this season.
■ 49ers: Kicker Robbie Gould signed a two-year, fully guaranteed $7.25 million extension and then was placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list.
■ Panthers: Running backs Christian Mccaffrey (quadriceps) and Mike Davis (ankle) were ruled out for Sunday.
■ Packers: Nose tackle Damon Harrison, 32, was claimed off waivers from Seattle.
■ Jets: Running back La’mical Perine was placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list.