CLEVELAND — With multiple players being held out of practice due to COVID-19 protocols, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the team has been forced to make a few changes going into Sunday’s game against the Patriots. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • The Browns placed three running backs on it’s COVID-19 protocols this week

  • The players will be required to test negative twice 24 hours apart before returning

  • If they’re unable to play, D’Ernest Johnson gets the start at running back

  • The Browns have enhanced COVID-19 protocols ahead of Sunday’s game

 

Stefanski told reporters Wednesday that the team is undergoing daily COVID-19 testing, holding meetings virtually rather than in person and has closed the team’s cafeteria. The protocols are akin to the type of strict pandemic-related protocols the NFL enacted for the 2020 season. 

“These are things we have done before,” Stefanski said. “Virtual meetings aren’t ideal but we understand that you can cover a lot of ground in them so we just talked to the players this morning about staying engaged in those meetings and getting everything out of them we need to.”

On Tuesday, the Browns announced the running backs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton were placed on the team’s COVID-19 list. Stefanski would not say if Chubb and Felton are ruled out against the Patriots. The Browns also placed reserve running back John Kelly on the COVID-19 list on Monday. 

With Kareem Hunt on the injured list, the Browns’ depth at running back will be more than tested. The only healthy running back who is reguarily in the Browns’ rotation is D’Ernest Johnson. After having just three combined carries in the first six games, Johnson had 22 carries against the Broncos in Week 7, marking his first career start. 

Stefanski said that if Chubb and Felton are unable to play Sunday, Johnson would get his second career start on Sunday. He said the Browns would look at other options to add depth. 

 

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