Browns facility closed again as COVID-19 issues mount ahead of pivotal Week 17 matchup

Will the Cleveland Browns be able to take the field for a huge Week 17 showdown on Sunday against the Steelers?

With a massive Week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers only three days away, things are totally up in the air right now for the Cleveland Browns due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the team.

On Thursday, the team had no choice but to keep its facility closed for players and coaches due to cases continuing to rise within the organization. According to multiple reports, the Browns had two more players test positive for the coronavirus, which obviously is a big-time concern.

The Browns are still hoping to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday

Entering the weekend, the Browns hold a 10-5 record. The Ravens are also at 10-5, with the Steelers already capturing the AFC North crown with its 12-3 mark leading into the last weekend of regular-season pigskin.

With that said, Sunday’s game has major postseason seeding implications. The Browns are doing everything in their power to try and get through contact tracing so they can get back on the practice field. The hope is the team will be able to go through the necessary precautions and protocols to get themselves ready to battle Pittsburgh as scheduled.

At the same time, Cleveland wants to make sure they’re not rushing their players out too early, as safety and limiting the spread of the coronavirus continues to be the top focus across the league for teams.

For the Steelers, they’re planning on resting multiple starters for this one as they’ve already captured the division crown and won’t be landing the No. 1 seed over Kansas City even with a win. The Browns have a lot more to play for, but first they’ve got to get their COVID-19 issue under control.