NFL

Browns place WR Jarvis Landry, 2 starting linemen on COVID-19 list

Dec 14, 2021, 12:07 PM

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns’ playoff hopes were dealt a major blow Tuesday as top wide receiver Jarvis Landry was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list along with starting offensive linemen Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr.

They will all likely miss Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The team also placed tight end Austin Hooper on the list with defensive end Takk McKinley.

The Browns (7-6) are in the thick of a tight playoff race in the AFC and host the Raiders (6-7) in a critical game for both teams. With the short week, it’s going to be difficult for any of the affected players to be available.

To be eligible, any player on the COVID-19 list must be asymptomatic and have two negative tests in a 24-hour period.

Earlier, the Browns were placed in enhanced COVID-19 protocols while they continued testing.

Cleveland was without three starters last week for Sunday’s win over Baltimore because of positive results.

Because of the new positive cases, the Browns are holding all their meetings virtually and personnel must be masked indoors. The team also closed its late afternoon practice to reporters.

This is nothing new for the Browns, who were one of the NFL’s hardest-hit teams by the virus last season. Coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive and had to miss Cleveland’s playoff win at Pittsburgh.

Stefanski’s availability on Tuesday, which is normally a day off, was pushed back while testing is completed.

On Monday, the NFL sent a memo telling teams that front-office staff and other personnel must get a COVID-19 booster by Dec. 27. The requirement comes as the league tries to combat an uptick in positive cases around the league.

Last week, the Browns placed tight end David Njoku, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and punter Jamie Gillan on the reserve-COVID list. The trio missed Sunday’s 24-22 win over Baltimore, and Stefanski had no update on their status Monday.

NFL

Chris Mortensen...

Associated Press

Chris Mortensen, award-winning NFL journalist for ESPN, died Sunday morning

Chris Mortensen, the award-winning journalist who covered the NFL for close to four decades, died Sunday morning.

7 months ago

Dan Bickley

Patrick Mahomes moves closer to GOAT status with each playoff win

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to climb the ladder toward Tom Brady's title of GOAT with each playoff win.

8 months ago

Isiah Pacheco...

Associated Press

Chiefs advance to 6th straight AFC title game after another classic with Bills

The Kansas City Chiefs advanced to their sixth straight AFC championship game with a win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

9 months ago

Head coach Todd Bowles...

Associated Press

Lions defeat Buccaneers to reach NFC championship for 2nd time in franchise history

The Lions beat the Buccaneers in a divisional-round playoff game on Sunday, lifting the long-suffering franchise into the NFC championship.

9 months ago

Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs off the field after defeating the Philadelphia E...

Associated Press

Baker Mayfield, Rachaad White lead Buccaneers’ dismantling of Eagles

Baker Mayfield led the resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 32-9 wild-card playoff victory over defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

9 months ago

Josh Allen...

Associated Press

Josh Allen, Bills push through elements in win over Steelers

The Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in a wild-card playoff game that was postponed a day because of a lake-effect blizzard.

9 months ago

Browns place WR Jarvis Landry, 2 starting linemen on COVID-19 list