Browns enter enhanced COVID-19 protocols ahead of Patriots game

The Cleveland Browns created some positive momentum for themselves and potentially saved a season in danger via this past Sunday's 41-16 win at the Cincinnati Bengals, during which Cleveland starting running back Nick Chubb rushed for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 70-yard romp to the end zone. 

Good feelings among Browns fans faded, however, when it was learned earlier this week that Chubb and fellow ball-carrier Demetric Felton joined running back John Kelly on the reserve/COVID-19 list. At least Chubb and Felton reportedly tested positive as vaccinated players and, thus, could potentially return for this Sunday's game at the New England Patriots if they produce two negative virus tests 24 hours apart and remain asymptomatic. 

As Ben Axelrod noted for WKYC, however, Cleveland encountered more bad news on the coronavirus front Wednesday when backup center Nick Harris was added to the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Browns also have practice squad receiver Lawrence Cager and defensive back Bryan Mills on the list and, thus, are now in the NFL's enhanced COVID-19 protocols.

According to Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland, the Browns are holding all meetings virtually, mandating that personnel wear masks at all times inside the team's facility, and have closed their cafeteria. All players, including those who are vaccinated, are subject to daily COVID-19 testing until further notice. 

Backup running back Kareem Hunt hasn't played since Oct. 17 because of injury and will remain sidelined through this weekend, meaning Week 7 Cleveland and fantasy football hero D'Ernest Johnson will be the team's lead running back in midweek practices. 

Johnson rushed for 146 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries in Cleveland's win over the Denver Broncos on Oct. 21.