CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from Jan. 5, 2021
After the Cleveland Browns announced that three coaches -- including head coach Kevin Stefanski -- and two players had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Tuesday, many fans feared what further testing and contact tracing might find.
Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call, however, Stefanski said that as of Wednesday morning, the team has yet to return any more positive COVID-19 tests and that contact tracing has yet to identify any close contacts resulting from Tuesday's five positive tests.
"I think it's all back," said Stefanski, who won't be permitted to coach in person or remotely in Sunday's game due to his positive test. "I don't believe we had any high-risk close contacts."
Nevertheless, the Browns' facility will remain closed on Wednesday, leaving the team to continue to work virtually four days ahead of its first playoff game since 2003. According to Stefanski, the team will hold a virtual walk-through at 1 p.m. on Wednesday in order to continue its preparations for Sunday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round.
As for how Stefanski's absence will affect the Browns on Sunday, the first-year head coach noted he'll still be just as involved in Cleveland's game-planning throughout the week as he would be in any other week. Come game day, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as the Browns' acting head coach, with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt calling the plays in Stefanski's place.
"We're full speed ahead," Stefanski said. "Just gotta put a plan together and go find a way to win."