Newark, New Jersey – As Brown was about to leave for New Jersey on Saturday to participate in Sunday’s match against the Gates, one player tested positive and his flight was delayed while the contact tracing was being conducted.
They won’t name the player until the tracking is complete, but a source said it was not Gedric Wells Jr., who was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Thursday as a close contact for someone outside the facility who has tested positive for the virus.
Wills, Brown’s No. 10 overall and left starting tackle, are expected to be activated in the game.
The Browns also shut down their facilities on Saturday and are holding remote meetings where they are consulting medical experts and the NFL on appropriate next steps.
Browns are set to face 10-4 pilots 1-13 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. with a chance to clinch a playoff place with a win over New York and a loss or draw by several AFC rivals.
Wills and Recipient of Training Squad Ryan Switzer were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Thursday after they had close contact with the same person who was not a member of Brown’s organization.
Wills have been negatively tested since being identified as a close contact, and Brown was confident that he would be activated for the game.
This would be good news for Brown’s side, who already has a new offensive player in rookie Nick Harris, who is coaching right-hand goalkeeper White Teller (ankle). Chris Hubbard, Tiller’s replacement from last week, suffered a ruptured right knee ligament and dislocated knee during Sunday’s 20-6 victory over the Giants, and underwent surgery at the end of the season on Wednesday.
Brown is already dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on a weekly basis. His stellar defensive ending Miles Jarrett still wore his way through the lingering effects of 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 in the qualifiers if Brown enters.
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