CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns placed fullback Andy Janovich on the reserve COVID-19 list after a second player tested positive for the virus Monday morning.
As they did last week, their facility was closed, contract tracing conducted and the organization spent the day working remotely once again.
Janovich played 15 offensive snaps and 11 on special teams in the Browns 10-7 win over the Texans Sunday.
“Had a positive test this morning so we closed the building,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday afternoon prior to the roster move. “Just following all the protocols with the league. We will have an update for you as contact tracing finishes up. As you know, what we are trying to do is just make sure we follow all of the rules and keep everybody safe. That is our goal.”
It marked the third time the Browns have been forced to temporarily close their building due to COVID-19 concerns since convening for training camp in July.
“I mean, this is kind of what 2020 is,” defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi said. “It sucks, but it is just the nature of what we are in right now. We have been handling it since the start of training camp as far as wearing our masks, following the right procedures and everything. So, I mean, we are not really fazed by it. We just have to continue to go through the protocols.
“I know some guys are kind of frustrated about it, but it is just once again the nature of what we got going on. It is one of these things where it takes all of us. It is a shared responsibility. It takes all of us to get it done. So, we are just going take it one day at a time, continue to roll with the punches and do what we have to do.”
The team issued the following statement Monday afternoon prior to Stefanski's media availability:
“This morning the Cleveland Browns were informed that a player has tested positive for COVID-19. Per our NFL-NFLPA standard protocols, the individual has immediately self-isolated and the Browns facility is closed while contact tracing is being conducted. The team will continue to consult with the league and medical experts on the appropriate next steps as the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and the entire community remains our highest priority.”
Last Friday a player tested positive, the first since the start of training camp practices in mid-August for a coach or player. After temporarily closing their building, the Browns were able to practice in the afternoon.
This week they hope to be able to go through their normal practices and preparation for the Eagles while remaining in the league's mandated intensive protocols.
“We got a taste of it last week when we went into intensive protocol,” Ogunjobi said. “I mean, you still have to practice, you still have to meet, so I feel like it is just a different environment. But being able to kind of be flexible, I think that is what is the biggest thing about it.”
During the bye week quarterback Baker Mayfield was placed on the reserve COVID-19 list because he was found to be in close contact with a staffer that tested positive, but he did not test positive and was able to return last Wednesday.
“We have talked about it going all the way back to April,” Stefanski said. “That is the world we live in right now, and we are ready to do whatever is necessary to keep everybody safe, first and foremost – keep our coaches, players and staff safe. That is really where our mentality is. While doing that, we still have to prepare and get ready to play.”
In accordance with league protocols and the agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, teams are not permitted to disclose the names of players who test positive or comment on a player that may have tested positive.
Offensive lineman Chris Hubbard was placed on the reserve-COVID-19 list Friday.
