Browns CB Denzel Ward positive for COVID-19, out vs. Steelers

The Cleveland Browns may be staring at a legitimate COVID-19 crisis. 

Hours after the Browns closed their practice facility because of positive coronavirus tests for the second straight day, they confirmed that top cornerback Denzel Ward has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. 

The Browns added that the facility will remain closed through at least the end of Thursday, and Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that Ward tested positive for COVID-19. That could keep the 2018 Pro Bowl selection sidelined through wild-card weekend if the Browns qualify for the playoffs. 

Ward joins linebackers Malcolm Smith and B.J. Goodson, tight end Harrison Bryant and safety Andrew Sendejo on the growing list of Cleveland players unavailable to take the field for Sunday's pivotal game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

As had been expected, Browns wide receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and KhaDarel Hodge were all activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list after they missed last Sunday's loss to the New York Jets because of coronavirus-related protocols. Linebacker Jacob Phillips also returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Browns have been dealing with COVID-19 issues for the better part of the past week and haven't yet had a normal practice day ahead of a game they likely must win to secure a playoff berth. As Daryl Ruiter of radio station 92.3 The Fan explained earlier in the week, Cleveland can back into the playoffs via seven other scenarios. 

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has announced that he will sit quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and other starters after the Steelers won the AFC North title in Week 16.