On the same day the Detroit Lions had to play without a bunch of coaches, the Cleveland Browns will be entering their own COVID-19 related crisis among a specific sector of the team. Along with a couple linebackers, the Browns had to place four wide receivers on the reserve/COVID-19 list the day before their game against the New York Jets.
Included are Rashard Higgins, KhaDarel Hodge, Jarvis Landry, and Donovan Peoples-Jones, along with linebacker Jacob Phillips. Another linebacker, B.J. Goodson was added earlier Saturday.
We've placed WR Rashard Higgins, WR KhaDarel Hodge, WR Jarvis Landry, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones & LB Jacob Phillips on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
In addition, we've elevated (Contagious Disease Addendum) WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, LB Montrel Meander & WR Derrick Willies from the PS. pic.twitter.com/sCSte9PejF
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 26, 2020
That pretty much depletes the Browns’ entire receiving corps. With Odell Beckham Jr. out with injury, the only receiver on the roster who could play was Marvin Hall. The Browns are bringing up Ja’Marcus Bradley and Derrick Willies from the practice squad but that just leaves three healthy receivers. Although, this brings a great opportunity to the three receivers to make an impact against a 1-13 Jets team.
This isn’t the first time a team had to play without the players from a specific position for COVID reasons. The Ravens were without lots of players but most notably their running backs and Lamar Jackson. Before that, the Broncos were without a quarterback for their game against the Saints and had to turn to practice squad receiver (and college quarterback) Kendall Hinton. The Browns will do the same this weekend but considering it’s the Jets, there’s a decent chance they could still win.
