CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield were among seven to test positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, a day after the team placed 8 on reserve/COVID lists due to positive tests.
In total six more players were added to COVID lists Wednesday morning – Mayfield, cornerback Troy Hill, safety John Johnson III, defensive tackle Malik McDowell and defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo were placed on reserve/COVID-19 and safety Nate Meadors on practice squad COVID-19.
The Browns will not practice Wednesday, instead opting for three separate walk through sessions for the offense, defense and special teams.
Saturday’s game with the Raiders is still on according to the NFL and as of now there are no plans to move or postpone it.
Stefanski said Tuesday he had recently gotten the booster shot. Johnson is not vaccinated.
The team issued a statement Wednesday morning concerning Stefanski.
“This morning’s testing round has produced additional positive COVID-19 results. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, who has been vaccinated and received a booster, has tested positive and has immediately self-isolated. He is feeling fine and will continue his head coaching duties virtually as we prepare for the Las Vegas Raiders game on Saturday. Should Coach Stefanski not produce two negative tests by Saturday, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will serve as the play caller in Saturday’s game. Additionally, acting running backs coach Ryan Cordell has tested positive. Our player round of testing is still being conducted and any player transactions related to COVID-19 reserve will be updated and announced once finalized.”
Stefanski was forced to miss the 48-37 Wild Card victory over the Steelers after contracting COVID in January.
Like Stefanski, Mayfield and the other players will need to produce two negative tests 24 hours apart before Saturday.
On Tuesday receiver Jarvis Landry, tight end Austin Hooper, right guard Wyatt Teller, left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., guard Drew Forbes and defensive end Takkarist McKinley were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list while receiver JoJo Natson and tight end Ross Travis were placed on practice squad/COVID-19.
Tight end David Njoku, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and punter Jamie Gillan were placed on the COVID list last week.