CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a week full of bad COVID-19 news, the Browns got some good news Friday as left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. returned to the practice field after being kept at home two straight days with an unspecified illness.
Under NFL-NFLPA protocols, players with symptoms must be kept at home even if they’re testing negative for the coronavirus. Wills was permitted to return when he felt better and had two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart.
“It’s always good to get the five (starting offensive linemen) together because there is so much communication that has to occur with those five guys,’' coach Kevin Stefanski said. “We’ve done a lot of extra work this week. Just now, practice ends and the offensive line and the backs stay out there and they get extra pass protection pick-up drills, if you will, because communication is key. Good to have Jed out there.”
Swing tackle Chris Hubbard also returned after missing the past two games following a positive COVID-19 test, and can play if necessary. Right guard Wyatt Teller is questionable with his calf injury, and right tackle Jack Conklin has been limited all week with a knee injury.
Sheldrick Redwine ruled out, Andrew Sendejo questionable
Defensive end isn’t the only defensive position that’s taken a big hit this week. The backfield is also challenged.
It started during Sunday’s 22-17 victory over the Eagles in which cornerback Denzel Ward (calf), safety Ronnie Harrison (knee), safety Sheldrick Redwine (knee) and safety Andrew Sendejo all suffered injuries. During the week, safety Jovante Moffatt was kept home Wednesday and would’ve been out Thursday with an illness had the defense practiced, but was back on Friday.
Ward and Redwine have both been ruled out for Sunday. Harrison says he’s 100% healthy to face his former Jaguars team, and Sendejo is questionable with a groin injury.
Stefanski said Joseph can start at free safety opposite Harrison if necessary.
“Yeah, he’s played back there so yes, we’re very confident in Karl,’' Stefanski said.
Kevin Johnson, who suffered a lacerated liver in training camp, will likely start in place of Ward, with Tavierre Thomas and MJ Stewart set to play in the nickel.
“[Johnson’s] come back and done a nice job,’' defensive coordinator Joe Woods said. “He’s been playing primarily in the slot, but he takes reps inside and outside. We have different packages where we can move guys around. We can definitely slide him outside or keep him inside. He will be able to do both for us this Sunday.”
He said the Browns can mix and match the cornerbacks, and have had to be versatile this season with the injuries.
“For us at the nickel position, we have things for Tavierre, we have things for M.J. and we have things for Kevin,’' Woods said. “We feel like we’re in good shape.”
At defensive end, the Browns will be without Myles Garrett, Joe Jackson and Porter Gustin, all of whom tested positive for COVID-19.
Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Malveaux ready to step up
The Browns will be down to three healthy ends in Olivier Vernon, Clayborn and Malveaux, who will be called up from the practice squad for the second straight week. Clayborn, who had 1.5 sacks last week and forced a fumble, will likely start in place of Garrett, and Malveaux will rotate in.
“Really appreciate having Adrian around,’' Stefanski said. “He’s a pro’s pro. He doesn’t say much. He definitely leads by example. You saw in the ballgame last week where he was able to be productive and make plays. I know this, he is a great teammate, and he and his teammates really appreciate having him out there.”
Malveaux forced a fumble on the Eagles’ opening drive, and Karl Joseph recovered.
“He practices very hard,’' Stefanski said. “He’s extremely conscientious, always in his book and asking good questions. Really looking forward to him continuing to contribute.”
Woods praised Vernon’s three-sack game vs. the Eagles, but needs him to keep it up.
“It was great that he got the award for being (AFC Defensive) Player of the Week,’' Woods. “That’s what I told him, once you do it once, we expect to see it again. He’s always been capable of doing that. You’ve seen him flashing at times, whether it’s just pressuring the quarterback and just missing a sack. It was good. I’m happy for him that he had that type of game.
“AC also played well. He had a sack and a half. We are capable on the D-line. It is just an opportunity for guys to show what they have.”
The Ravens without Lamar Jackson vs. Steelers
The 6-4 Ravens, vying for an AFC wild-card spot along with the 7-3 Browns, had their big matchup against the 10-0 Steelers pushed back a second time to Tuesday night, but Jackson has tested positive for COVID-19 and will sit out the game, along with about 11 teammates.
The Ravens were originally supposed to play the Steelers on Thanksgiving Night, and then the Cowboys on Dec. 3. Now, the Cowboys game in Baltimore has been moved to Monday Night Football on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m., and then the Ravens will play on Monday Night Football the following week in Cleveland on Dec. 14.
The Ravens, who are eighth in the seven-team playoff race in the AFC, are hoping Jackson is back for the Cowboys game.
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New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NFL proceeds donated to CDC Foundation.
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