Browns place Sione Takitaki on Reserve/COVID-19 list

The Cleveland Browns placed linebacker Sione Takitaki on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday

Takitaki is the fifth Cleveland player to land on the list since November 13, joining offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, fullback Andy Janovich, and defensive ends Myles Garrett and Joe Jackson.

The move comes just three days after Takitaki played 21 snaps on defense against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was Cleveland’s highest-graded defender for the game, according to Pro Football Focus, after finishing with two tackles and a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The Browns temporarily closed the team’s facility in Berea on Wednesday while they conducted contract tracing, but eventually returned to practice in the afternoon. The offense and defense practiced at different times, however, in an attempt to avoid further spread of the virus.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated on Wednesday that everyone has to remain vigilant when they are away from the team, according to The Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich:

“We’ve talked about it all the time. When we’re in the building, we’re very safe. When we’re out of the building, you’ve got to be safe. When you leave our bubble, obviously, you’ve got to make great decisions, and I think the guys understand that.”

Takitaki now joins Garrett, Jackson and Janovich as players who are out for Sunday’s road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns will also be without cornerback Denzel Ward after Ward suffered a calf injury against the Eagles.

Stefanski said there is still a chance that Hubbard will be cleared in time to play against the Jaguars.