Browns re-open facility, on pace to host Texans

Mitchell Layton-USA TODAY Sports

Browns re-open facility after positive test, on pace to host Texans

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/13/20

The status of Sunday's game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans scheduled to be held at FirstEnergy Stadium on Lake Erie was put into doubt on Friday morning when the Browns announced they temporarily shut their practice facility down after a player tested positive for COVID-19.

By 3 p.m. ET, though, the Browns confirmed they re-opened the facility while still in the NFL-NFL Players Association intensive protocol.

We have re-opened our facility this afternoon after contact tracing was completed and zero high-risk close contacts were identified. We remain in the NFL-NFLPA intensive protocol and will hold a practice session this afternoon beginning at 3pm.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 13, 2020

Cleveland also placed offensive lineman Chris Hubbard on the reserve/COVID-19 list but could not immediately say if he is the player who tested positive per an agreement between the league and union.

Earlier in the day, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported that the Texans were still preparing as if they are facing the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon. That appears to be the case heading into the weekend and barring any further notice from the NFL.

The Miami Dolphins had a coach test positive last Friday but were still cleared to fly out west to play against the Arizona Cardinals. Miami defeated Arizona 34-31 to improve to 5-3 overall but added defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Kyle Van Noy to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.

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