The roster is still unclear for the Cleveland Browns
By Greg Newland
![Cleveland Browns' Joel Bitonio signals a fourth quarter first down against Washington on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won the game 34-20. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]Browns10 1](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15384622-850x560-ff42b871f1699025118b16f570f04f4be8c2c5d6f654423d17fcec01dbf9f192.jpg "Cleveland Browns' Joel Bitonio signals a fourth quarter first down against Washington on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won the game 34-20. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]Browns10 1")
Who will be available for the Cleveland Browns?
After a tremendous victory on Sunday Night vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, the big question now is who will come off the COVID-19 reserved list for the Cleveland Browns this week. We have received some clarity that Kevin Stefanski will be returning to the facility on Thursday, but the status of four starters is still unknown.
Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson both tested positive for the virus last week, the belief is that they should be activated before the game this weekend. They both tested positive on Jan. 1, but didn’t have enough negative tests to be activated for the wild-card game. Ward and Johnson have both missed two games because of the virus.
KhaDarel Hodge and Joel Bitonio both were reported positive on Jan. 5. With being away from the team for 10 days, they both could be activated to the roster on Friday, but it is still unclear if they will have enough negative tests to do so.
Bitonio and Ward would be huge to get back for the divisional round would be huge. Ward is the best player in the secondary, and the offensive line has been battered with injuries already. Michael Dunn filled in well on Sunday vs. the Steelers, but he is day to day with an injury as well. Not to mention all-pro right tackle Jack Conklin, who is also day to day with an injury.
Hodge and Johnson don’t play as pivotal of roles but getting both players back this week would be a nice addition. Johnson would see a lot of action as the nickel corner vs. the pass-heavy Chiefs, and Hodge has become a big target for Baker Mayfield and is a tremendous special teams player.
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The Browns have proven they are up to any challenge, but this could be the first week all season the team is at full strength. Many expect a COVID update from coach Stefanski after practice on Tuesday. Let’s hope they saved the best for last and can take care of the Chiefs.