Browns add Harrison Bryant, Andrew Sendejo to reserve/COVID-19 list

The last thing the Cleveland Browns needed ahead of their pivotal regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers was additional coronavirus-related concerns. 

That's exactly what Cleveland encountered on Tuesday, however, when the Browns added tight end Harrison Bryant and safety Andrew Sendejo to the reserve/COVID-19 list. As Jake Trotter explained for ESPN, it's unknown if either tested positive for the virus or were merely deemed high-risk close contacts. 

Any close contacts placed on the list on Tuesday could be cleared by Sunday afternoon as long as they continue to test negative for COVID-19. 

The Browns faced the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium last Sunday without wide receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge because of COVID-19 protocols. As a result, quarterback Baker Mayfield struggled against Gang Green, completing 28 of 53 passes for 285 yards with three fumbles, two of which he lost. 

Cleveland fell to the Jets but will still clinch a playoff berth with a home win over Pittsburgh to start the new year. Per Daryl Ruiter of radio station 92.3 The Fan, the Browns can also secure a postseason spot via seven other scenarios. 

Earlier in the day, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Mason Rudolph will start at quarterback ahead of Ben Roethlisberger this Sunday after Pittsburgh won the AFC North title in Week 16.