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 even as they added three more players to the COVID-19 injury list a day before their game against the Broncos. OL Shaquille Mason and DL Derek Rivers were added to the list, as was RB Sony Michel, who was already on injured reserve with a leg injury. 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 result was 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. ... Broncos RB coach Chris Modkins tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t accompany the team on its trip to New England.
Auto racing: Chase Briscoe swept the first two stages of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Kansas Speedway, then he dominated after a restarted with four laps to go to capture the first race in the round of eight and clinch his spot in the season finale at Phoenix. Daniel Hemric was second and Ryan Sieg, who made a couple of pit gambles that left him with a fresh set of tires with seven laps to go, rallied from 10th on the final restart to finish third. ... Brett Moffitt held off a field full of playoff contenders, winning a two-lap shootout to the checkered flag at Kansas Speedway, qualifying for the NASCAR Truck Series finale.
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 up Mount Etna in Stage 3.
Golf: Four shots behind at the start of the day, Russell Henley ran off three straight birdies to start the back nine and posted a 5-under 67 to build a three-shot lead going into the final round of the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas, Nev. Xander Schauffele, who had a three-shot lead going into the weekend, had a pair of late bogeys in his round of 74 and is tied with three others for second. Henley was at 15-under 201. ... 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 Weirwas 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 a 6-under 66.