Browns’ Beckham cleared to play
Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had his second negative COVID-19 test in 24 hours, clearing him to rejoin his teammates and play in Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.
Beckham was kept away from the Browns’ facility and didn’t practice for two days after feeling ill on Thursday and being sent home. In keeping with NFL coronavirus protocol, he had to twice test negative before being allowed back.
The league has instructed teams to remove anyone showing symptoms similar to COVID-19 even if they are caused by a cold or the flu.
The Browns listed Beckham as questionable to face the unbeaten Steelers (4-0) at Heinz Field. While he didn’t practice, the three-time Pro Bowler participated in team meetings remotely.
■ The Patriots went back to work, one day after a fifth player tested positive for COVID-19 and one day before their twicepostponed game against the Broncos. A team spokesman said the team would proceed with its walkthrough, but all meetings would be virtual. ... A Jaguars practice-squad player tested positive. The initial resultwas confirmed by a second test Friday evening. The player was quarantined, and the team is reviewing contact tracing data to determine what further precautions need to be taken. ... BroncosRB coach Chris Modkins tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t accompany the team on its trip toNewEngland.
Cycling: Portuguese rider Joao Almeida increased his grip on the pink jersey by winning the hilly 14th-stage time trial of the Giro d’Italia. The 22-year-old Almeida has held the lead since a strong effort upMount Etna in Stage 3.
Golf: While Phil Mickelson got most of the attention going into the Dominion Energy Charity Classic as he tries to open his senior career with consecutive victories, Mike Weir was a little better on a 36-hole day after rain washed out play Friday. The Canadian shot 68-63 to reach 13 under and take a three-stroke lead over Mickelson at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond. ... Matt Wallace opened up a three-stroke lead after the third round of the Scottish Championship on the European Tour after shooting 6-under 66. Wallace birdied three of his last five holes to complete a bogey-free round at Fairmont St. Andrews and pull clear of Garrick Porteous, who also shot 66 in the next-to-last group.
Soccer: Promoted Cadiz stunned Real Madrid 1-0towina Spanish leaguematchat the defending champions for the first-ever time. Led by veteran striker Alvaro Negredo, Cadiz proved more dangerous than Madrid, particularly in the first half when the visitors could have gone into the interval with a two-goal advantage. Negredo set up Anthony Lozano to chip the game’s only goal over Thibaut Courtois in the 16th minute.
Tennis: Andrey Rublev and Borna Coric overcame Canadian foes to reach the final of the St. Petersburg Open. Third-seeded Rublev rallied to beat No. 2 seed Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, and Coric also recovered in the semifinals to beat Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-1, 6-4. ... Alexander Zverev movedone win froma thirdtitle in his native Germany and will play Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final of the Cologne Indoors tournament. Top-seeded Zverev defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-5, 7-6 (3) in the semifinals. Aug er-Alias si me beat second seeded Robert oB au ti sta A gut ,6-3,1-6,6-3.