CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns on field preparations for their first playoff game in 18 years are on hold and will have to wait at least one more day.
The team’s facility remained closed Wednesday, a day after five more positive COVID-19 tests, including for head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Unable to practice, Stefanski scheduled a ‘virtual walk through’ for the team at 1 p.m.
“We’ve got a job to do,” Stefanski said. “We’ll make sure we keep everybody safe, first and foremost, and then we’ll get back to work and put a plan together to go on the road versus a really good football team.”
Stefanski, who is unsure of how he contracted the virus, did not want to say much about his own situation.
“I’ll be good. I am fine,” Stefanski said, “But my concern is for our players and our coaches and the team going forward.”
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach Sunday night against the Steelers and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will handle play calling duties – all part of the contingency plan Stefanski prepared before training camp.
“It really doesn’t matter who’s the head coach on Sunday,” Stefanski said. “They know how we play. They know what our identity is.
“I have a ton of confidence in them.”
The Browns have been hit hard the last three weeks with COVID.
A total of 17 players have ended up on the Reserve/COVID-19 list with 10 players currently still on it while five assistant coaches are unavailable due to positive tests or high-risk close contact protocols in addition to Stefanski.
“It is frustrating,” Stefanski said. “We've tried to go above and beyond. Anytime where you're trying to follow the rules and you lose guys, it's obviously frustrating.”
The Browns have had no additional positive tests or high-risk close contacts since Tuesday’ positive tests according to Stefanski.
Stefanski will remain involved as much as possible during the week leading up to the game with the exception of going to the facility or being on the practice field.
“I’ve got my set up here. I’ve got all the tape I need,” Stefanski said. “We meet virtually anyway as a staff to put game plans together so that’s very much business as usual.”
NFL rules prohibit Stefanski from communicating with his team electronically during the game Sunday night, rules he intends to follow.
“I'm disappointed for anybody that can't be a part of this,” Stefanski said. “All of our guys that can't be a part of this, it's disappointing to me, but we have to find a way. That's what our charge is.”
