The Browns are preparing to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round on Sunday. More players and coaches who have been sidelined with the team’s COVID-19 outbreak continue to become available by the day.
On Wednesday, the Browns activated Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Both cornerbacks missed the last two weeks after testing positive for the coronavirus.
There are still some players and coaches whose statuses remain up in the air.
Players still on the reserve/COVID-19 list
Left guard Joel Bitonio
Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge
Both Bitonio and Hodge have the potential to be activated before Sunday’s game, but it is not certain that will happen. They were placed on the reserve list on Jan. 5th, which means the earliest they can be activated from their positive tests is Friday, Jan. 15th.
Coaches still sidelined
Head coach Kevin Stefanski
Passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Jeff Howard
Assistant offensive line coach Scott Peters
Tight ends coach Drew Petzing
All the coaches could return as early as Thursday, based on the timeline of the positive testing. They will each need to clear the COVID-19 protocols established by the NFL and NFLPA, which do carry over to the coaching staff as well.
Offensive line coach Bill Callahan has cleared the protocols and is back with the team.
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