The Cleveland Browns are dealing with COVID-19 related issues for a second week and second year in a row. Last week, TE David Njoku, LB Anthony Walker and P Jamie Gillan were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and missed the game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Earlier today, the team announced they were going into enhanced COVID-19 protocols. Rumors started swirling on social media that significant Browns players had tested positive specifically noting offensive players.
That speculation has now been confirmed by the team with eight players being placed on the COVID list including four offensive starters and two other contributors. The team announced the following Tuesday afternoon:
Placed on reserve/COVID-19 (6):
G Drew Forbes
TE Austin Hooper
WR Jarvis Landry
DE Takkarist McKinley
G Wyatt Teller
T Jedrick Wills
Placed on practice squad/COVID-19 (2):WR JoJo Natson
TE Ross Travis
Multiple important areas of the team are not significantly impacted with the three primary tight ends, two starting offensive linemen, a starting receiver and a key pass rusher all in danger of missing the game against Las Vegas this week.
Vaccination status and symptoms will decide if any of them are available this week.
More to come as we have information on the impact this could have on the game and how the team may be able to fill in the gaps.