The Cleveland Browns got good news to start 2021.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns had no new positive COVID-19 results Friday, per a source informed of the situation, and the team is set to practice Friday afternoon, it was later announced.
The news comes a day after two additional player positives forced Cleveland to cancel practice Thursday. The league cleared the Browns to practice and reopen their facility due to no new positive tests overnight along with rapid tests for select players and personnel coming back negative, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
The lack of positive tests Friday has Sunday's game between the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on as scheduled, Pelissero added. A win Sunday would get the Browns to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Thursday that linebacker Malcolm Smith and tight end Harrison Bryant tested positive for COVID-19. Cornerback Denzel Ward was also placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.
- New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is awaiting the results of another COVID-19 test as part of the normal process after an initial positive test, Pelissero reported via an informed source. If confirmed, Kamara would be out for Sunday’s game against the Panthers and most likely a possible wild-card playoff game, too.
- The New York Giants released a statement Friday that offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and had been isolated along with two possible close contacts. New York coach Joe Judge said the potential close contacts are staff/coaches, not players. The team's facility remained open. The full statement reads:
"The Giants have been informed that offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo has tested positive for COVID-19. He was immediately isolated, as were two potential close contacts, and we are currently working with the league’s chief medical officer. Quest Diagnostics Training Center remains open, and the team is following its normal practice and meeting schedule today."
- The Dallas Cowboys will work virtually on Friday as they are in extended COVID-19 protocols due to a player testing positive for the coronavirus, coach Mike McCarthy told reporters.
- Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has been cleared to resume his normal duties at the AdventHealth Training Center and is expected to be available to coach on Sunday, the team announced.