Cleveland Browns Linebacker BJ Goodson To Miss Sunday game To Due COVID-19

Ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets – a game that will have a lot to say about the Cleveland Browns ’playing hopes – the Browns received unfortunate news.

As first reported by Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, linebacker BJ Goodson is out after a positive test for the coronavirus. According to the NFL policy of players undergoing advanced testing who must be away from the team for 10 days regardless of whether they are symbolic or not, Goodson will also miss Sunday’s end-of-season against Pittsburgh Steelers. Goodson confirmed positive on Dec. 26.

The Browns, per cleveland.com, are currently making communications and have postponed their flight to New Jersey and held distance meetings following Goodson’s positive test. At this point, it is unclear whether Goodson is the only Browns player with COVID-19.

Goodson, 27, is Cleveland ‘s main supporter this season and has at times been a clear spot in the heart of the Browns’ linebacker. With outsiders, Mack Wilson (who was in a healthy streak last week), Tae Davis and Malcolm Smith would look like they would be competing for most of the bumps that Goodson would have had .

For Sunday, in particular – where the Browns are grabbing their first playoff birth in 18 years – the Jets are not in serious danger. Per Football Outsiders, New York is 3rd in an offensive DVOA (a measure of offensive effectiveness) and not the kind of team Cleveland have to worry about being relegated. Still: No Goodson is a blow and, assuming he’s able to return if the Browns make the playoffs, his health could affect the field, either good or bad.

In the COVID-19 progressive news, left-back Browns Jedrick Willis III has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Saturday and will play tomorrow. Earlier this week, Wills was thought to be in close contact with someone who contracted the coronavirus. Had he not been able to play, Kendall Lamm would have started at left tackle.