BEREA, Ohio – Anthony Walker Jr. may not be able to help the Cleveland Browns chase Lamar Jackson on Sunday.
The Browns tackle point guard was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Thursday, along with punter Jamie Gillan. Both players could miss the important duel against the Baltimore Ravens.
Walker and Gillan join halfback David Njoku, who leads the team in receiving yards, on the COVID-19 roster. Njoku was placed on the roster earlier this week and his status for Sunday’s game remains unclear.
The possible losses of Walker and Gillan could be a blow to the Browns (6-6), who are two games behind the Ravens (8-4) at the top of the North section of the American Association. The Cleveland squad can’t afford another loss as they try to make the playoffs for a second straight year.
A vaccinated player on the roster must be asymptomatic and must present two negative tests within 24 hours to be eligible to play. A team has until Saturday at 4 p.m. at the latest to remove a player from this list.
Walker leads the Browns with 85 tackles in nine games and has been consistent in his first season with the Cleveland roster. Two weeks ago, he helped the Browns contain Jackson, who threw four interceptions in a 16-10 victory for the Ravens.
Malcolm Smith will likely take Walker’s place as reservist Elijah Lee takes part in more games. It is possible that Jacob Phillips will be called up for backup after missing the first 12 games with a torn bicep. He returned to training on Monday and trained.
