Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Harrison Bryant (88) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns activate three from COVID-19 list

The Cleveland Browns activated three players from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, making them available for Sunday night’s wild-card game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Activated were tight end Harrison Bryant, safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. and linebacker Malcolm Smith. In addition, safety Jovante Moffatt will be able to play after the league determined he was not a close contact with someone who had tested positive, the team said.

The Browns also elevated wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley, tackle Alex Taylor and cornerback A.J. Green from the practice squad on Saturday. Green was designated as a COVID-19 replacement.

ESPN reported that the Browns got the OK to hold a walkthrough on Saturday before their flight to Pittsburgh. That’s good news for the Browns, who were limited to just one short practice on Friday after at least five positive COVID-19 tests.

Among those testing positive were head coach Kevin Stefanski, who will miss the game. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call the plays against the Steelers.

Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio tested positive for the virus and won’t travel to Pittsburgh. Other players on the reserve/COVID-19 list include quarterback Denzel Ward and receiver KhaDarel Hodge.

–Field Level Media

May 30, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers     line backer Malcolm Smith (51) warms up during the organized team activities training event at the SAP Performance Facility in Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Browns sign LB Smith, MVP of Super Bowl XLVIII

The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith on Sunday.

Smith, 31, played in two games each with the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars last season, posting a total of five tackles and one forced fumble.

A seventh-round draft pick by Seattle in 2011, he played his first four seasons with the Seahawks and was the Most Valuable Player of their 43-8 victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Smith has appeared in 104 games (52 starts) with the Seahawks (2011-14), Oakland Raiders (2015-16), San Francisco 49ers (2018), Cowboys and Jaguars. His career totals include 371 tackles, six sacks, four interceptions and nine forced fumbles.

To make room on the roster, Cleveland waived injured center Casey Dunn (foot).

–Field Level Media

May 30, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers     line backer Malcolm Smith (51) warms up during the organized team activities training event at the SAP Performance Facility in Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Browns sign LB Smith, MVP of Super Bowl XLVIII

The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith on Sunday.

Smith, 31, played in two games each with the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars last season, posting a total of five tackles and one forced fumble.

A seventh-round draft pick by Seattle in 2011, he played his first four seasons with the Seahawks and was the Most Valuable Player of their 43-8 victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Smith has appeared in 104 games (52 starts) with the Seahawks (2011-14), Oakland Raiders (2015-16), San Francisco 49ers (2018), Cowboys and Jaguars. His career totals include 371 tackles, six sacks, four interceptions and nine forced fumbles.

To make room on the roster, Cleveland waived injured center Casey Dunn (foot).

–Field Level Media