The Cleveland Browns have reopened their facility and will train after experiencing a spate of COVID-19 cases this week.
However, the team will be without several players, including cornerback Denzel Ward, on Sunday when the Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win would see the Browns secure their place in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
The Browns did not record any new positive COVID-19 tests on Friday and after obtaining league approval, practice was scheduled for the afternoon. They canceled training on Thursday and kept their facilities closed to determine if there was any risk of the virus spreading.
So far, they have only trained for an hour on the pitch as they prepare for their most important game in years.
Last week, the Browns played without their top four receivers and lost to the New York Jets. These players, kept out because they represented a risk, were reactivated Thursday and are expected to play on Sunday.
The Browns, however, will be without Ward, starting linebacker BJ Goodson, safety half Andrew Sendejo and winger Harrison Bryant against the Steelers, who will leave starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and others to rest for the playoffs.
The Steelers defeated the Browns 38-7 in their previous game this season.
A positive case among the Giants
New York Giants offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo has been diagnosed positive with COVID-19.
The team revealed that he was immediately isolated, as were two unidentified potential close contacts.
Head coach Joe Judge said those affected were staff and coaches, not players. Assistant coach Ben Wilkerson will take charge of the offensive line on Sunday when the Giants (5-10) host the Dallas Cowboys (6-10). Both teams have a chance to secure the National Association Eastern Chapter title if Washington (6-9) loses to Philadelphia.
DeGuglielmo was able to work with the line in virtual mode during a morning workout.
DeGuglielmo joined the Giants mid-season and was promoted to offensive line coach when Marc Colombo was fired.
