NEWARK, N.J. — As the Browns were about to depart for New Jersey on Saturday for Sunday’s game against the Jets, a player tested positive and their flight was delayed while they conducted contact tracing.
They will not name the player until tracing is complete, but a source said it’s not Jedrick Wills Jr., who was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Thursday as a close contact of a person outside the facility who tested positive.
Wills, the Browns’ No. 10 overall pick and their starting left tackle, is expected to be activated for the game.
The Browns also closed their facility on Saturday and are conducting meetings remotely as they consult with medical experts and the NFL on the next appropriate steps.
The 10-4 Browns are set to face the 1-13 Jets at MetLife Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. with a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a victory over New York and a loss or tie by several AFC rivals.
Wills and practice squad receiver Ryan Switzer were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Thursday after they came in close contact with the same individual who was not a member of the Browns’ organization.
Wills has tested negative since he was identified as a close contact, and the Browns were confident he’d be activated for the game.
That would be good news for the Browns, who already have a new starter on the offensive line in rookie Nick Harris, who’s subbing for right guard Wyatt Teller (ankle). Teller’s replacement from last week, Chris Hubbard, suffered torn right knee ligaments and a dislocated kneecap during Sunday’s 20-6 victory over the Giants, and underwent season-ending surgery on Wednesday.
The Browns are already dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Their star defensive end Myles Garrett is still battling his way through lingering effects from the virus and suffered a coughing fit after last week’s game.
Garrett continues to undergo breathing treatments and hopes to be close to himself by the playoffs if the Browns get in.
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