The calm before the storm. The Cleveland Browns have their first playoff appearance in 18 years on Sunday.
It comes after a week of rough news. On Tuesday, the Browns announced head coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive for COVID-19. Along with the head coach, two other coaches and two other players also tested positive and will not be at Heinz Field on Sunday. Pro Bowler G Joel Bitonio and WR KhaDarel Hodge are on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Special teams coach Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach.
“It really doesn’t matter who the head coach is on Sunday. They know how we play, they know our identity,” Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday. “It’s not my team, it’s the Cleveland Browns. We established that identity in the spring.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers are also not allowing fans to be in attendance for the Wild Card game. Steelers spokesperson Burt Lauten explained that while the team planned to host around 5,500 spectators -- as they did in October and November -- Pennslyvania's current order will only allow the team to host 2,500 fans on Sunday.
The Browns play the Steelers Sunday night in Pittsburgh. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m.