Stefanski, 2 Browns players out vs. Steelers due to COVID-19
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and two players tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced Tuesday.
Left guard Joel Bitonio and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge are the two players in question, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.
Two additional members of the coaching staff also tested positive, and the team facility has been closed.
Stefanski and the four others will be unable to partake in Cleveland's first playoff game in 18 years, according to Pelissero, who adds that the contest remains on as scheduled.
The Browns announced special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will assume play-calling duties, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Cleveland has been dealing with virus issues over the last two weeks, losing Jarvis Landry and the majority of its receiving group for the Week 16 game against the New York Jets due to protocols. While the receivers returned for the season finale, the club then placed various members of the defense on the COVID-19 list, including Denzel Ward and Andrew Sendejo.
The Browns closed their facility three times in the buildup to Week 17.