Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Wild Card game

The Covid-19 situation in Cleveland continues to get worse. This time it’s head coach Kevin Stefanksi who contracted the virus. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this morning that Stefanski, a defensive backs coach, and a tight ends coach have received positive tests. The latter two coaches are yet to be named. Browns special teams coach Mike Priefer will assume the role as interim head coach for the Browns playoff game against the Steelers.

On top of members of the coaching staff coming down with the illness, two more players have also contracted Covid-19. While neither player has been named, the total of players on the Browns Reserve/COVID-19 List now sits at eight including Denzel Ward who missed the Browns Week 17 clash with the Steelers.

The status of players on the Reserve/COVID-19 List for the Browns who missed Week 17 are still up in the air when it comes to the Wild Card this weekend in Pittsburgh. Depending on each player’s symptoms and the results of their subsequent tests, some may be able to come off the list in time for the game, but anything definitive cannot be determined at this time.

Sunday’s Wild Card game is still on track to be played, but the Browns facility is once again closed until close contacts can be figured out. The Browns will work with the league and medical experts to determine the next steps.

Keep your eyes locked on Behind The Steel Curtain for more breaking news on the Browns Covid-19 situation.

UPDATE:

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, as of now, the Steelers vs. Browns game scheduled for Sunday Night remains on as scheduled as contact tracing is completed.

UPDATE:

The two Browns players who tested positive, per Pelissero, are offensive linemen Joel Bitonio and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge.