The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
FB Janovich added to COVID-19 reserves
A second Browns player in a span of four days has tested positive for COVID-19.
Fullback Andy Janovich was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Nov. 16, the Browns announced.
Offensive lineman Chris Hubbard tested positive for COVID on Nov. 13. The Browns reacted by closing their training complex in Berea while they conducted contact tracing to determine if any players, coaches or staff members had been in close contact with Hubbard.
The facility was reopened and normal practice conducted 2 ½ hous later than usual after it was determined there were no “high risk” cases to be concerned about.
The Browns went through the same process after learning of Janovich’s positive test. That contact tracing is not yet complete.
“This morning the Cleveland Browns were informed that a player has tested positive for COVID-19,” the team said in a statement. “Per our NFL-NFLPA standard protocols, the individual has immediately self-isolated and the Browns facility is closed while contact tracing is being conducted.
“The team will continue to consult with the league and medical experts on the appropriate next steps as the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and the entire community remains our highest priority.”
Janovich was on the field for 15 plays from scrimmage plus 11 special teams plays Nov. 15 in the game with the Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium won by the Browns, 10-7.
A player that tests positive and is symptomatic must stay in isolation and stay away from team headquarters for a minimum of 10 days.
If he is positive but asymptomatic, he can return after two negative tests 24 hours apart.
The Browns managed to escape any positive COVID tests through the first nine weeks of the season. Now Coach Kevin Stefanski has to sweat out six more days before the Browns host the Eagles on Nov. 22, hoping against hope there are no more positive tests.
“First time in this scenario for us, so we’ll see,’’ Stefanski said, referring to a positive test early in the week. “Have to get more information from (Senior Vice President of Player Health & Development) Joe (Sheehan) and the medical staff, and then we’ll plan accordingly. We’ll kind of see how it shakes out.”
Since they gathered for the first time in the spring, Stefanski hammered home the point of players being responsible to themselves and each other by staying home when they are not at the Browns’ facility. This doesn’t mean Hubbard or Janovich were negligent; a person can catch COVIND-19 by touching the handle on a gas pump or walking through the grocery store. But it explains why problems have been minimal and the Hubbard situation, at least, was contained.
“That’s the world we live in right now,” Stefanski said. “We’re ready to do whatever is necessary to keep everybody safe, first and foremost — keep our coaches, players and staff safe. That’s really where our mentality is. While doing that, we still have to prepare and get ready to play.”
Cornerback Denzel Ward said he had to alter his lifestyle.
“A regular day in times back then, I used to go out to dinner, hang out maybe with some teammates or hang out with some friends,” Ward said Nov. 16 from his home in a Zoom call. “If we want a season and want to continue to keep a season, there are some things that you can’t do anymore. Just have to stay safe and stay out of the way.
“For me personally, I just hang out at home really and just chill. I don’t do too much outside of the facility. Just try to stay out of the way, really. I don’t get myself any closer to anyone or come into contact with someone with COVID or anything. Just really staying out of the way, go home and watch film and wait for the next day of practice.”
The Browns are off Nov. 17, as they are on most Tuesdays.