CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Better safe than sorry.
That's how the Browns continue to approach dealing with COVID-19 and anyone who exhibits any symptoms.
After a player reported COVID-19 related symptoms prior to arriving at the team facility, the Browns went back to remote mode and conducted their regular Monday meetings virtually.
“This morning, an active player who has not been in the facility today reported that he is experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms,” the team said in a statement. “While there have been no positive test results among players, coaches or staff members, the team decided to host meetings remotely to exercise the appropriate level of caution.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the organization don't want to take any chances.
“I think anytime in this environment when you are not feeling right and you call the trainer and you talk about your symptoms, we really can’t mess around with that,” Stefanski said Monday afternoon.
Stefanski and the organization doesn't have reason to believe the player has COVID-19 but daily testing continues through the bye week and the expectation is they'll be able to have the building open Wednesday for practice before the four-day weekend mandated by the league.
“Barring any new developments, we anticipate having them in the building on Wednesday for practice,” Stefanski said. “The building can be open, but we can’t require them to do anything the rest of the week.”
All NFL facilities will be closed Tuesday due to the election as part of the league's voting initiative.
The Browns have had no positive tests since the beginning of training camp.
Last month receiver Odell Beckham Jr. missed two practices after reporting symptoms but tested negative twice under league protocols and was able to play against the Steelers.
The news came hours after Ravens safety Marlon Humphry announced on Twitter he tested positive after playing against the Steelers Sunday and the Packers announced they had a player test positive.
The Browns enter the bye week at 5-3 following Sunday’s 16-6 loss to the Raiders. They are scheduled to host the Houston Texans Nov. 15.
