Browns finally practice, roster still unsettled for playoff game against Steelers

CLEVELAND

Kevin Stefanski is still stuck in his basement at home. At least the Browns are out and about.

Well, most of them.

After being unable to practice for two days due to COVID-19 testing and protocols, Cleveland got permission from medical experts and the NFL to get on the field Friday for the first time this week in advance of Sunday’s wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team resumed normal activities — by 2021 standards — at its training facility, which has been closed since Tuesday when coach Stefanski tested positive for COVID19 along with Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio and three others.

“That’s much better than being on these Zoom calls,” said Stefanski, who won’t coach Sunday’s game because league rules state anyone testing positive with the virus must isolate for 10 days.

“They’re excited to get out there.”

The Browns had been limited to virtual meetings while preparing for their first postseason appearance since the 2002 season.

Stefanski, who will be replaced by special teams co-ordinator Mike Priefer, opened his news conference with a rundown of Cleveland’s injury list, which includes star defensive end Myles Garrett and right tackle Jack Conklin, both picked as AP All-Pros.

Garrett is questionable with a shoulder issue, but Stefanski said he’s confident the edge rusher along with stout defensive tackle

Sheldon Richardson (neck) will play.

Conklin is out with an “illness,” but Stefanski could not say whether Conklin is experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

“We’ll just follow the protocols,” Stefanski said. “In this day and age, you have an illness and you’ve got to be safe with that. But we’ll just make sure we follow the protocols.”

League guidelines stipulate that if someone has symptoms consistent with COVID19, that person must isolate. As long as Conklin continues to test negative over the next two days, he’ll be eligible to play against Pittsburgh’s rugged defensive line.

Cleveland’s roster remains in flux.

Eight players are on the COVID-19 reserve list, including Bitonio, top cornerback Denzel Ward, safety Ronnie Harrison and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. It’s possible Ward could be back, but Stefanski didn’t have an update on his status.