CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The good news is the Browns did not add to the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.
The bad: a pair of key backups had to go on injured reserve.
Offensive guard Michael Dunn and cornerback Robert Jackson were placed on injured reserve by the team Tuesday.
Dunn started at left guard for Joel Bitonio and Jackson for Denzel Ward in Sunday night’s 48-37 win over the Steelers to advance to the divisional round where the Browns will travel to Kansas City to face the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Bitonio and Ward remain on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and it is unclear if one or both players will be able to be activated this week.
Ward tested positive on Dec. 31 while Bitonio tested positive on Jan. 5 along with head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Dunn suffered a calf injury in the fourth quarter making way for Blake Hance, who handled the final 14 offensive snaps, to finish the game.
Hance was signed from the Jets practice squad the prior Sunday and he drove to Cleveland early in the week.
Cleveland’s depth on the offensive line has been challenged in recent weeks with primary backups Chris Hubbard and Nick Harris placed on IR late in the season.
Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter after playing 77 of 90 defensive snaps.