By Sam Robinson | Last updated 1/9/21
The Browns’ uphill battle in their first playoff game in 18 years became steeper Saturday. The team announced it will be without top cornerback Denzel Ward in Pittsburgh.
Ward will remain on the Browns’ reserve/COVID-19 list. So will fellow starting cornerback Kevin Johnson, who also tested positive last week. Both missing last week limited a Browns secondary in a game when Mason Rudolph threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Based on his timeline, coronavirus protocols would have allowed Ward to suit up against the Steelers. But this would have required Ward being asymptomatic and passing the necessary tests. The third-year corner has not hit the necessary checkpoints, which will leave the Browns shorthanded Sunday night. The NFL found some COVID-19 spread within the Browns but did not move to postpone the AFC North playoff matchup.
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If Browns win, it will be one of the biggest upsets in team history – Terry Pluto’s Pregame Scribbles
Updated Jan 10, 2021;
Posted Jan 10, 2021
A front page of The Plain Dealer the day after the Browns win the 1964 NFL title. (Plain Dealer Historical Collection)
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CLEVELAND, Ohio – Scribbles in my notebook as the Browns face Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs at Heinz Field tonight:
1. I don’t bet sports, so I rarely check point spreads, but I did for this game. I knew the Steelers had to be favored, but I was surprised it was only by six points. Common sense says Pittsburgh would be a heavier favorite.
Denzel Ward, Kevin Johnson out vs. Steelers, but Ronnie Harrison, Harrison Bryant & Malcolm Smith activated; Terrance Mitchell false positive too
Updated Jan 09, 2021;
Posted Jan 09, 2021
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski watches the game against the New York Jets in the second half.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
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CLEVELAND, Ohio The Brown won’t have their best cornerback back for the Steelers game in Denzel Ward, but they will have their best safety in Ronnie Harrison.
The Browns announced on Saturday that Ward and fellow cornerback Kevin Johnson will remain on the COVID-19 list and won’t face the Steelers on Sunday night, but they activated safety Ronnie Harrison, tight end Harrison Bryant and linebacker Malcolm Smith off the list.