CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Kevin Stefanski planned for this very scenario this season – maybe not for Wild Card weekend – but the eventuality that he may be unavailable for a game due to COVID-19.
Following a positive test Tuesday morning, his contingency plan is now activated.
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach Sunday night in Pittsburgh and Alex Van Pelt will call offensive plays against the Steelers.
“I think it always makes sense as the special teams coordinator deals with everybody on the team and coaches every player,” Stefanski explained as to why he chose Priefer to fill his shoes on game day. “I think it is a very natural place to go in an interim setting there where he can not miss a beat and then you let the offensive and defensive coaches focus on their side of the ball. [I have] A ton of confidence in Coach Priefer. He knows this team very, very well from a roster standpoint but also based on how we play.”
This will be the second time Priefer has had to fill in as an acting head coach.
In 2016 he subbed for Mike Zimmer, who was unable to coach after undergoing an eye procedure, with the Vikings.
Priefer also ran a training camp practice this year when Stefanski and multiple players were among a batch of false positive tests that impacted over a dozen teams.
Stefanski downplayed the significance of Van Pelt calling plays Sunday night.
“I put my finger on a chart, and I read. That is not very hard,” Stefanski said. “AVP can definitely do that much better than I can.”
Although Stefanski has called plays this season, he credited Van Pelt for the success they’ve had on offense.
“AVP has been a huge part of our offense’s success,” Stefanski said. “He is a huge part of play calling. I may be the one sending it in there, but there is a ton of dialogue occurring between me, AVP and the rest of the offensive staff. He knows the things that we believe in. He knows how we play. He spends every waking moment with the quarterback, which is important when you are talking about trying to get him in a rhythm, comfort level and those type of things. I have a ton of confidence in AVP’s ability to get the job done.”
Wednesday’s practice was cancelled as the building remains closed as a precaution. Instead the team held a virtual walk through with coaches and players working from home in addition to their regular positional and team meetings.
“It feels like we have been virtual for a long time. Even when we were in the building as coaches, we were meeting virtually,” Stefanski said. “We did not have any in-person meetings. We have not had an in-person meeting with players in months. We figured out a way to cover ground. We figured out a way to install, keep people’s attention and have them learn the playbook and learn the gameplan. They have done a nice job with that.
“It does not replace the physical work, but I think it is the next best thing.”
NFL rules prohibit Stefanski from assisting electronically on game day. Remember the Ray Farmer suspension?
“I just know what the rules are, and I will follow them,” Stefanski said.
Goodson Activated – The defense got a big boost Wednesday.
Linebacker B.J. Goodson, who typically calls the defensive signals during games, was activated from Reserve/COVID-19 Wednesday leaving nine players remaining on the list.
In 14 games, Goodson has 59 tackles, two for loss, three QB hits, a half sack, six passes defensed, two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Practice squad safety Elijah Benton was also activated off the Practice Squad/COVID-19 list
Pulling for 57 – Stefanski opened his Zoom availability Wednesday by recognizing former linebacker Clay Matthews Jr., who reached the finalist round of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection process for the first time on Tuesday.
“First, I will start by saying congratulations to Clay Matthews on being named a finalist for the Hall of Fame,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, well deserved so pulling for him.”
Matthews had been a semifinalist for the hall on five occasions, including this cycle.
Voting for the class of 2021 will take place Jan. 19.
DPJ Update – Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol according to Stefanski.
“We will know more as the week goes on,” Stefanski said.
Should Peoples-Jones be unavailable, Stefanski indicated that running back Kareem Hunt, who is third on the team with 38 receptions this season including five touchdowns, could be called upon.
“We will see how Donovan continues to come through this protocol, and we have options there,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, Kareem is an option.”
Higgins, Wills Plead Not Guilty – Attorneys for receiver Rashard Higgins and left tackle Jedrick Wills filed not guilty pleas Wednesday morning court records show a day after both were cited by Westlake police for drag racing.
Stefanski addressed the incident Wednesday morning with the team.
Injury report – DNP: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (concussion); LIMITED: RT Jack Conklin (knee), DT Sheldon Richardson (neck), CB M.J. Steward (calf), LG Wyatt Teller (ankle), C JC Tretter (knee); FULL: DE Myles Garrett (shoulder), OT Kendall Lamm (illness), WR Jarvis Landry (hip), CB Tavierre Thomas (abdomen)
**statuses are an estimate since the Browns did not practice
