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 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: 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 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 a 6-under 66.
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 beat Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-1, 6-4. ... Alexander Zverev moved one win from a third title 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). Auger-Aliassime beat second-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.