new year, same shit

the Browns are going through it

The Cleveland Browns did not practice on Thursday due to positive COVID-19 tests, one of which was cornerback Denzel Ward. Ward will not be able to go on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and could miss the Browns' wild card game the following week, should they make it. 

There is some good news -- The NFL gave the Browns the OK to practice on Friday, after no new positive tests. The situation is still one to monitor, as we all saw the Baltimore Ravens' and Tennessee Titans' situations earlier this season.

After our latest round of testing produced zero positive results, we have received approval from the NFL to conduct a practice this afternoon.

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 1, 2021

bills activate john brown

The rich get richer -- the Buffalo Bills activated wide receiver John Brown off the COVID-19 reserve list. Buffalo added Brown to the 53-man roster after being named a close contact of TJ Yeldon. Brown missed Monday night's game due to being on the reserve list and four other games due to an ankle injury. They will need him, as WR Cole Beasley​ has been ruled out for Sunday's game.

giants offensive line coach tests positive for covid

A new year and all the top NFL stories today are COVID related. Shocking. New York Giants offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo tested positive and will not coach in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys​. ​

pic.twitter.com/MhRDz2Lpg5

— New York Giants (@Giants) January 1, 2021

cowboys have a player test positive

Speaking of the Giants' opponent... the Cowboys are also working remotely on Friday due to a player testing positive. The plan for the team (if there are no other positives) is to return to practice on Saturday before traveling to New Jersey. 

#Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy told reporters the team will work virtually today and that they are in extended COVID-19 protocols. They had a player test positive, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2021

alvin kamara will miss sunday, maybe postseason with positive test

Another one. New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara will miss Sunday's game due to a positive COVID-19 test. He may miss the first postseason game as well, which will certainly put a damper on the Saints' chances of winning. 

Saints’ RB Alvin Kamara tested positive again and will be placed on Reserve/COVID, per source. He’s out Sunday and now the question will be whether he reruns for the first playoff game.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2021

And yes, most of the top stories today are COVID-19 related. We're a week out from Christmas, and it'll only get worse based on what I saw on Instagram stories last night.