Stefanski back after clearing protocols
The Browns have coach Kevin Stefanski back in the building.
Stefanski cleared COVID-19 protocols Wednesday and returned to work at the team's practice facility in Berea. He is helping Cleveland (7-7) prepare for its Christmas Day road game against the Green Bay Packers (11-3).
Stefanski had tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 15. He was forced to watch Monday's 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders from his suburban Cleveland home while special teams coordinator Mike Priefer served as the acting head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt called plays.
Starting tight end Austin Hooper,
linebacker Jacob Phillips and returner Jojo Natson (practice squad) also came off the COVID-19 list Wednesday.
But not all of the Browns' Covid-related transactions were positive developments.
Rookie cornerback Greg Newsome II landed on the COVID-19 list. The firstround draft pick has missed the past two games with a concussion he suffered Dec. 10 in practice.
Running back Kareem Hunt (ankle) and nickel cornerback Troy Hill (knee) remain on the reserve/covid-19 list. Regardless of whether that changes, Stefanski said he doesn't expect either of them to play against the Packers due to their injuries.
Hill and Hunt were hurt in the Browns' 24-22 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 12.
The Browns confirmed they have waived punter Jamie “the Scottish
Hammer” Gillan, who had been on the COVID-19 list. Dustin Colquitt has replaced Gillan.
Also on the subject of special teams, Stefanski said that Chase Mclaughlin's continuing slump will not cost the Browns kicker his job for Saturday's game.
“Chase is our kicker,” Stefanski said. Mclaughlin is 15 of 21 on field goal attempts this season, 4 for 10 from 40-49 yards, with all his misses coming since Oct. 21. In Monday's 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Firstenergy Stadium, Mclaughlin was wide right on a 47-yard attempt on the final play of the first half that would have cut the Browns' deficit to 10-3.
Marla Ridenour also contributed to this report.