Browns' Kevin Stefanski on track to coach vs. Chiefs

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was one of several individuals associated with the team who recently tested positive for COVID-19 and missed Sunday night's playoff victory at the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Stefanski told reporters on Monday that he should be good to rejoin his players on Thursday ahead of next Sunday's postseason contest at the Kansas City Chiefs. 

"I don't plan on doing that again," Stefanski said of having to watch the Pittsburgh matchup from his basement, per Jake Trotter of ESPN. "A very, very unique feeling not to be there with them, so there was a ton of nervous energy that usually doesn't exist on the sideline for whatever reason. But it existed for me last night."

Stefanski has lost his taste and smell while battling the coronavirus but explained that he's mostly dealt with mild symptoms. He joked that his inability to taste food prevented him from nervously eating during Sunday's game. 

"I have a newfound respect for all of our fans and how they watch those games," he said. "I like it better when I have some control."

Special teams coach Mike Priefer served as interim coach at Pittsburgh in Stefanski's absence, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt called plays for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Barring an unforeseen setback, Mayfield should have Stefanski back on the sideline for what will, to date, be the biggest game of the young signal-caller's NFL career.