Cleveland Browns place punter Jamie Gillan on reserve/COVID-19 list

Cleveland Browns placed punter Jamie Gillan on reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.

The Cleveland Browns announced on Thursday they have placed punter Jamie Gillan on the new reserve/COVID-19 list. The organization is cannot disclose whether Gillan tested positive for COVID-19 or is in quarantine after coming in contact with someone who is infected.

Gillan is the third Browns player to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Browns running back Dontrell Hilliard and undrafted free agent Jovante Moffatt were among the first six players in the league to be placed on the list.

The list was created for players who either tested positive for the virus or came in contact with someone who may be infected. By being placed on the list, players are unable to be around the team facility in order to reduce the risk of infecting others at the team’s facility.

Gillan becomes the fifth Browns player to be be affected by the virus. While Gillan, Hilliard, and Moffatt have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Drew Forbes and Drake Dorbeck decided to opt-out of the season. Forbes revealed he opted-out of the season because of a medical reason.

With the Browns starting training camp, as well as no deadline officially being set for players to opt-out, it would not be surprising to see other players on the roster affected by the virus.

Gillan’s placement on the list could create some difficulties for the Browns, as Gillan is the only punter currently on the roster. Depending on how long Gillan will be on the reserve list, the Browns are going to need to sign another punter for practices.

Although there will not be helmet practices until the gradual ramp up period starting on August 12, kickers and punters will be allowed to use footballs starting August 3. Therefore, it would be in the best interest for the Browns to sign another punter until they know they will have Gillan back on the field.

With camp being used to allow kickers and punters to get stretched out, this will delay Gillan’s preparation for the season. Even though he was the only punter on the roster because he had the job locked down, the Browns will need another punter on the roster to allow Gillan gradually stretch out to reduce the risk of injury, but also so they can ensure they will have a punter’s leg ready when training camp practices officially begin.

With Gillan’s status officially unknown, it remains to be seen how long he will be away from the team. But it would not be surprising if Gillan is away from the team facility for at least two weeks so the team is certain Gillan is healthy and no other players or staff will be at risk.