Issues with the virus intensified Thursday for the Browns as top cornerback Denzel Ward and linebacker Malcolm Smith tested positive and were ruled out for Sunday’s game. The team also cancelled practice as it prepares to face the Pittsburgh Steelers — with a playoff spot up for grabs. The latest positive tests forced the Browns to initially close their facility to do close contact tracing. But they’ll have to do it without three defensive starters: Ward, their best defensive back; linebacker B.J. The Browns were getting ready to leave for the New York area on Saturday when Goodson’s test came back positive.

Source: thestar December 31, 2020 16:03 UTC