Cleveland Browns Shut Down Practice Facility After COVID-19 Outbreak Among Coaching Staff

Published 01/02/2021, 11:10 AM EST

The Cleveland Browns managed to salvage their NFL season this year. After losing Odell Beckham Jr. earlier in the season, many expected the Browns to falter and miss the Playoffs.

However, thanks to the solid performances of Baker Mayfield, the Browns managed to find themselves in playoff contention. But after all that, the spot may now be at risk.

Earlier today, the Cleveland Browns organization put out a statement that they shut down their practice facility due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Article continues below this ad

A member of the Browns’ coaching staff tested positive for the virus, and the Browns put forth a statement revealing that the facility was shut down.

The statement read, “The Cleveland Browns were informed this morning that a member of their coaching staff has tested positive for COVID-19.

“The team will continue virtual meetings as the facility is currently closed while contact tracing is conducted. We will consult with league medical professionals on the appropriate next steps.”

Cleveland Browns potentially missing the Playoffs

This news comes off the back of the Browns reopening their practice facility after a previous COVID-19 outbreak that sidelined several players from the team.

Members from the team were missing when the Browns played against the New York Jets. The outbreak threatened to jeopardize their playoff chances.

Article continues below this ad

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

The Cleveland Browns will relinquish their playoff position if the outbreak becomes a bigger issue. They worked for an entire season where they fought to get a playoff spot. The outbreak serves as extremely unfortunate news for Browns fans, who have seen their team rally throughout the season.

Few people expected the Browns to perform to their lofty expectations. Yet, they still maintain a respectable position in the NFC, with a 10-5 record.

Article continues below this ad

Many analysts have praised Baker Mayfield for how well he played, especially in the absence of star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. However, it seems like they will be unable to play in the Playoffs this year.

The NFL is yet to make any kind of statement on the Browns’ outbreak. With the situation of the league, the NFL executives will be cautious. One thing remains for certain; this could be an unfortunate end to the Browns’ season.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Aaditya Krishnamurthy is an NBA & NFL journalist for EssentiallySports, before which he worked at BusinessWorld magazine. He has been a fan of Basketball for over 10 years now, since Shaquille O’Neal was a Phoenix Suns player. During his time at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, he started a sports magazine for the college called the Overtime Tribune and hosted the Overtime Tribune Podcast until he graduated.

Cleveland Browns Shut Down Practice Facility After COVID-19 Outbreak Among Coaching Staff

Cleveland Browns potentially missing the Playoffs

Trending

Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean

After Confirming Patriots Interest, JJ McCarthy Reveals Tom Brady Was Speaking to Him Throughout National Championship Winning Season

Who Are Laiatu Latu’s Parents? Meet the Family of UCLA’s DL

Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife

2024 NFL Draft: In Eminem’s Presence, Detroit Denied Entry Into NFL History Books as Motor City Fans Stopped Due to Maximum Capacity