CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski returned to the team’s facility Wednesday after clearing COVID protocols the team announced.
Stefanski had been out since December 15 when he tested positive for COVID-19.
“Good to be back,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, working remotely is something that we all did a bunch of last year so it is definitely doable to work remotely, gameplan remotely, run meetings, etc., but good to be back in person.”
Stefanski was unable to coach Monday night, a 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders marking the second time he’s had to turn over coaching duties to special teams coordinator Mike Priefer and play calling to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Stefanski was forced to miss the Browns 48-37 Wild Card victory over the Steelers last season due to COVID.
Hammer out – Punter Jamie Gillan, dubbed ‘The Scottish Hammer’ was cut Wednesday from the reserve/COVID-19 list meaning the team will go with veteran Dustin Colquitt for the remainder of the season.
“Dustin did a nice job,” Stefanski said. “I am disappointed for Jamie – I spoke to Jamie – but that is part of this business so he understands that.”
Colquitt, who was signed as a COVID replacement on December 10, lost his job with the Falcons under similar circumstances.
Garrett watch – Stefanski didn’t have much of an update on the groin injury suffered by defensive end Myles Garrett Monday night.
“We will see,” Stefanski said. “We are walking through today so not doing much from a physical standpoint, but I will get my eyes on him today, and we will see how it goes.”
Garrett underwent an MRI Tuesday and the hope is he will be healthy enough to play against the Packers.
The Browns lost defensive end Takkarist McKinley to a torn Achilles Monday night and Jadeveon Clowney is on the reserve/COVID-19 list leaving their pass rush in shambles if Garrett can’t play.
“We are just going to have to work through it,” Stefanski said. “He has an injury there. We will see if it prevents him from playing. We will see if it prevents him from practicing. I think we are not there yet. We just have to see how he does today and the next day.”
Double protocol for Newsome – Cornerback Greg Newsome II, who had been sidelined with a concussion, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
“It is disappointing when we do not have our guys for any reason,” Stefanski said. “You do not want anybody to get injured, and you do not want anybody to get sick. Certainly, not looking for anybody to go on that list.”
Greedy Williams played well Monday night, including coming away with his second interception of the season with less than three minutes to play against the Raiders.
“Greedy stepped up,” Stefanski said. “He has done that throughout the season when called upon, and we will continue to call upon him this week, as well.”
Chase stays – The Browns will not replace kicker Chase McLaughlin in the wake of his continued struggles.
“Chase is our kicker,” Stefanski said. “I told you guys the other day, he has high expectations for himself, we expect him when he is out there to make his kicks and we are counting on him, and I think he knows that.”
McLaughlin missed a 47-yard field goal as time expired to end the first half that ultimately was the difference on the scoreboard. It was his fifth miss in his last nine attempts since starting the season by making his first nine field goal tries.
Welcome to the Continental – Browns defensive tackle Malik Jackson has the perfect nickname for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“I know Aaron personally,” Jackson said. “I call him ‘John Wick’ so I know ‘John’ personally.
Jackson came up with the nickname during the offseason when he ran into him.
“He came in one day with the hair slicked back,” Jackson said. “He was going through his offseason stuff. Just the whole vibe was just John Wick, just do not care and just walking around doing your thing. That is what we called him. This was this last off season. I called him Mr. Wick.”
Coincidentally, Rodgers dressed up as Wick for Halloween this year.
So, does that make Lambeau Field ‘The Continental?’ Probably not since no business may be conducted on Continental grounds but Browns-Packers playing there on Christmas is special to Stefanski.
“It is a great, great venue in our league,” Stefanski said of the stories stadium in Green Bay. “I encourage everybody – all of the Browns fans that is – to check it out. It is a special place. I think certainly as visitors going in there, you get some extra juice playing in that venue in front of those fans. It is quite a place to play, especially when we are the only game on TV and the only show in town.”
Hill and Hunt out – Stefanski all but ruled running back Kareem Hunt and cornerback Troy Hill out for Saturday’s game regardless of their COVID status.
“I do not expect either of them to make it this week due to injury,” Stefanski said.
Hunt had been dealing with an ankle injury and Hill a knee injury prior to landing on the reserve/COVID list.
Three activated from COVID list – Tight end Austin Hooper and linebacker Jacob Phillips were activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
Receiver JoJo Natson was also restored to the practice squad from the practice squad/COVID list.
Walk this way – The Browns held another walk-through Wednesday as they continue preparations for the Packers on Christmas day.
The team is scheduled to hold a full practice on Thursday.
Injury report – DNP: DE Myles Garrett (groin), DT Malik Jackson (knee), S John Johnson III (hamstring), CB Greg Newsome (concussion); LIMITED: TE David Njoku (knee), CB Denzel Ward (groin), TE Harrison Bryant (ankle), C J.C. Tretter (knee); FULL: LB Sione Takitaki (shoulder)
Participation was estimated Wednesday.
Up next – Browns practice Thursday.
