CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns' bye week got off to an unexpected start with the team holding virtual meetings on Monday after an active player who wasn't at the team facility reported experiencing coronavirus (COVID-19) related symptoms.
According to the Browns, that player -- or any other -- has yet to test positive for the coronavirus.
“The Cleveland Browns are conducting their football meetings remotely today," the team said in a statement. "This morning, an active player who has not been in the facility today reported that he is experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms. While there have been no positive test results among players, coaches or staff members, the team decided to host meetings remotely to exercise the appropriate level of caution."
On Sunday, the Browns lost to the Las Vegas Raiders by a final score of 16-6 to fall to 5-3 on the season. Now at the start of its bye week, Cleveland isn't scheduled to play again until Nov. 15 when it hosts the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Throughout the 2020 season, the NFL has had to deal with COVID-19 outbreaks of varying sizes on multiple teams and has rearranged portions of its schedule to accommodate issues with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens entered the league's intensive COVID-19 protocol after an active player -- who has since self-identified as cornerback Marlon Humphrey -- tested positive for the coronavirus.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski had previously been scheduled to meet with the media via Zoom at 12 p.m. ET, but will now do so at 2 p.m. ET.
More on this story as it develops.