Browns could activate players off reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday

The Cleveland Browns were without a pair of linebackers and wide receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and KhaDarel Hodge for Sunday's game against the formerly 1-13 New York Jets because of the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. Cleveland fell to the Jets 23-16 and missed out on securing a postseason berth. 

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski delivered good news for fans on Monday, though, when he told reporters that each player deemed a high-risk close contact could be activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday ahead of the crucial Week 17 home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

As Nick Shook explained for the league's official website, linebacker B.J. Goodson is the only Cleveland player who tested positive for the coronavirus before the team traveled to New Jersey to face the Jets. The close contacts must continue to test negative through the midweek to return to work on Thursday. 

Practice squad receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley and recent Detroit Lions castoff Marvin Hall were last-minute additions to Cleveland's active roster for Sunday's contest at MetLife Stadium, and quarterback Baker Mayfield understandably struggled to locate an offensive rhythm without the four familiar faces on the field. Mayfield fumbled the ball three times and completed 28 of 53 passes for 285 yards with no touchdowns. 

The Browns would clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the Steelers. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, won the division title on Sunday and is expected to sit at least some starters in the regular-season finale.