Yet another obstacle strewn in front of Kevin Stefanski came Sunday when false-positive Covid-19 tests caused rescheduling of an important practice day. (Cleveland Browns)
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Takeaways from Day 8 of Browns training camp …
For three weeks, the NFL operated its coronavirus protocols to near perfection. Inconveniences? Sure. But training camps were proceeding largely without incident as positive Covid-19 tests dropped to a mere handful league-wide.
On Sunday, the league and the Browns learned that the new norm includes an occasional reminder that nothing is certain and everything can change at a moment’s notice.
In the morning, the Browns were among 10 teams that received notice of an inordinate number of positive Covid tests. The Browns quickly evacuated their building, canceled practice and began a thorough disinfection of their facility.
All the teams used the same league-appointed BioReference lab in New Jersey. The Steelers, Jets, Bills, Vikings, Bears and Giants were also affected. Other regional BioReference regional labs did not produce similar irregularities.
Within hours, re-tests came back negative, which confirmed the original tests were false-positives.
The Browns reopened their facility and were able to throw together a practice 30 minutes later than originally scheduled in the afternoon. Media were not allowed to view it and no coaches or players were made available via Zoom conferences.
Coach Kevin Stefanski’s plan for the day was for the team to be in full pads and at least one period of live tackling was scheduled. All of that was scrapped.
Instead, Stefanski conducted a light practice in helmets and no pads for about 50 minutes, followed by virtual team meetings at night.
Players who received false-positives had to stay at home, per NFL protocol. They can return on Monday after a second negative test. The Browns did not disclose the names of all who tested false-positive.
Their statement said the affected persons included players, coaches and support staff.
While the false alarm may have helped the league and Browns be better prepared for possible future incidents, it also disrupted the rhythm of a Browns camp needing every minute to prepare the team for the Sept. 13 opener in Baltimore.
Per negotiations with the players union, players get every fifth day off. So Stefanski was hoping to achieve certain goals in each remaining four-workday period. Sunday marked the second day of the current work week. Another players off day looms on Wednesday.
NFL teams are allowed only 14 practices in pads throughout training camp. The Browns have had three. They haven’t even conducted a two-minute drill in practice while some teams have already had a scrimmage.
Linebacker added
After professing faith in their depleted linebacker corps and reiterating their passion for young, fast, athletic players at the position, the Browns signed Malcolm Smith, 31, who has been with five teams in nine years.
Smith was MVP of Seattle’s 43-8 trouncing of Denver in Super Bowl 48 after the 2013 season. In the Seahawks’ triumph, Smith made 10 tackles, deflected a pass, recovered a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown. He was 24 at the time. Since then, he’s played for the Raiders, 49ers, Jaguars and Cowboys.
Smith missed the entire 2017 season with the 49ers because of a torn pectoral muscle. He was a seventh-round pick out of Southern California by the Seahawks in the 2011 draft.
Smith was signed to add depth to the linebacker corps after projected starter and leader Mack Wilson suffered a hyperextended left knee last week. The Browns are waiting for swelling in the knee to subside to determine the course of action for Wilson’s injury. Even without surgery, Wilson could be out at least eight weeks, which means a lot of last practices.
Last week, linebackers coach Jason Tarver expressed enthusiasm about finding three starters from among B.J. Goodson, Sione Takitaki, rookie Jason Phillips and Tae Davis. Other linebackers on the roster are Willie Harvey and undrafted rookie Solomon Ajayi.
Brownie bits
To make room for Smith, the Browns waived/injured center Casey Dunn …
Non-Covid absences from practice included defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), tight end David Njoku (wrist), receiver Damion Ratley (groin), receiver KhaDarel Hodge (personal), center JC Tretter (knee), cornerback Kevin Johnson (liver) and Wilson (knee).