Watson rusty in return but Browns get 27-14 win over Texans
Deshaun Watson struggled in a sloppy performance in his first game in 700 days, but a punt return for a touchdown by Donovan Peoples-Jones and two defensive TDs were plenty enough to give the Cleveland Browns a 27-14 win over the lowly Houston Texans Sunday.
Mayfield makes too many mistakes in return from COVID list
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a career-high four interceptions in his first game since returning from the reserve/COVID-19 list as the Brownsโ fading playoff hopes took another hit with a 24-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.
![Murray returns from ankle injury, can't rally Cardinals](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/7B7JmJ1D8QWduXjQRLZaGPJwh7A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/EUIMPGC2JBHV3DXY66MKP66SWA.jpg)
Murray returns from ankle injury, can't rally Cardinals
Left tackle Justin Herron left with an ankle injury. โ Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. โ Lions offensive linemen Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Jonah Jackson left with concussions and defensive tackle Nick Williams injured an ankle vs. Minnesota. โ Giants linebacker Blake Martinez left briefly after appearing to injure his left ankle or foot in the third quarter. โ Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson (wrist) and cornerback Greg Martin (hamstring) left the game.
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Browns end long playoff drought, survive late Steelers rally
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates after the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns, winless just three seasons ago and so bad for so long, are in the playoffs. The Browns and their passionate fan base endured 197 losses, 14 double-digit-loss seasons and seven coaches since the last playoff appearance. For the moment he got to Cleveland in 2018, Landry's goal was to get the Browns back to the postseason. Steelers: Will be back at full strength for their first playoff appearance since the 2017 season.
![Browns lose CB Ward for Steelers game after positive test](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/UFZxnL0ytD6AQJ9xwn2WP1VKVm8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/OUT435W6EZER5BLLIPSHBTHZTE.jpg)
Browns lose CB Ward for Steelers game after positive test
If they win, the Browns (10-5) will make the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and end the NFL's longest current playoff drought. But the Browns will now be missing their best defensive back and at least two other defensive starters. While Ward is lost for at least this week, the Browns did get back star Jarvis Landry and three other receivers who missed last week's game. Not only will he miss the Steelers game, but he could also be out of Cleveland's first-round playoff matchup โ assuming the Browns get there. The Browns were getting ready to leave for the New York area on Saturday when Goodson's test came back positive.
![Browns delay practice for Steelers after 2 positive tests](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/ghMmiF9OnzZZ8SSxfZ6DoXXoBUs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6JVPMH773NDMRNTNW2ZVTBDC4Q.jpg)
Browns delay practice for Steelers after 2 positive tests
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)The Browns didn't begin preparing for the Steelers on the field but rather via Zoom calls. The Browns, who have nine players currently on the COVID-19 reserve list, will make the postseason for the first time since 2002 with a win. After learning of the positive tests, the team closed its facility to do contact tracing and Stefanski said players were doing virtual meetings โ something that has become standard in 2020. "โI donโt think it would come as a surprise for a positive test in that market. The Browns did have a good development as starting right guard Wyatt Teller was cleared to practice after missing two games with a sprained ankle.
![Browns add 2 more players to crowded COVID-19 reserve list](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/-SNkPXdJCfrZmq76qM2XRoZnucQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6JF4CIO7ZNCK7NWTTIATGVJLZ4.jpg)
Browns add 2 more players to crowded COVID-19 reserve list
The Cleveland Browns added starting safety Andrew Sendejo and rookie tight end Harrison Bryant to their lengthy COVID-19 list, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)CLEVELAND โ With their biggest game in years just days away, the Cleveland Browns added two more players to their lengthy COVID-19 list. Starting safety Andrew Sendejo and rookie tight end Harrison Bryant were placed on the list Tuesday, giving Cleveland eight players on the list. It's not yet known if Sendejo or Bryant tested positive for the virus or if they had close contact with an infected person. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has been vigilant about keeping his players safe and following NFL and team guidelines.
![Browns' playoff chances take hit with 23-16 loss to Jets](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/cFIqc17avEYoYnaWethhoHe__UQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZZVOHJXQK5EQHPHLBHK734E4CM.jpg)
Browns' playoff chances take hit with 23-16 loss to Jets
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. โ Baker Mayfield coughed up the ball โ and the Cleveland Browns' chances to wrap up a playoff spot. After a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, the Browns will need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday if they're going to end the NFL's longest playoff drought. The call was upheld by video review, and the Jets (2-13) sealed their second straight victory after an 0-13 start. Mayfield then marched the Browns downfield, and Nick Chubb's 1-yard run made it 20-10 with 2:56 left in the third quarter.
![Dwayne Haskins starts for Washington despite breaking rules](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/Otgx6mQPOu-BPPuN4eAjVyZpGWc=/1600x1068/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/POM2PYTIO5GVZKM7OHE7J43G7Y.jpg)
Dwayne Haskins starts for Washington despite breaking rules
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Dwayne Haskins gets his second consecutive start for Washington with quarterback Alex Smith out again because of a right calf injury. Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackon is active against Dallas after missing two months with an ankle injury. Harrison being inactive against the Rams comes as the Seahawks welcome defensive tackle Bryan Mone back from injured reserve following a lengthy stint because of an ankle injury. The Rams were without rookie running back Cam Akers, who had already been ruled out with an ankle injury. Washington: QB Alex Smith, RB Lamar Miller, WR Terry McLaurin, OT David Steinmetz, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB Thomas Davis.
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Browns lose another player vs; Jets, starting LT Wills out
FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 file photo, Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (71) takes the field for an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn. Wills had been placed on the COVID list on Thursday, Dec. 24 after being in close contact with someone outside the team who had tested positive. The loss of Wills further depletes Cleveland's offensive line; starting right guard Wyatt Teller will miss his second straight game with a sprained ankle. In addition to Landry, the Browns will be missing receivers Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge and linebacker Jacob Phillips. They were placed on the COVID-19 list on Saturday before the team flew to the New York area.
![Michigan cancels Ohio State showdown, citing COVID-19 cases](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/J1Mzl8NtqShlkZp9s27eefbzC1c=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HKR7TYKTOFAA7I43WPB6PIRHY4.jpg)
Michigan cancels Ohio State showdown, citing COVID-19 cases
Michigan canceled its annual rivalry game at Ohio State on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, because of the COVID-19 outbreak within the Wolverines football program. โOur players, they want to play,โ Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. โIf youโre just looking at college football, how can you have a successful football season without Ohio State-Michigan. Ohio State entered the day No. Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis said the team works all year with the goal of beating Michigan.
![Mayfield throws 4 TDs in 1st half, Browns beat Titans 41-35](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/fzcX4L2OnFuv9gF9ewpJPxPaquY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JBTHIFPPCRERPDCB4H3RFSTIX4.jpg)
Mayfield throws 4 TDs in 1st half, Browns beat Titans 41-35
The Browns had their best-scoring half ever, leading 38-7 at halftime, topping the 35 points scored in the second half at Cincinnati in 2004. The Titans made it interesting late, outscoring the Browns 28-3 in the second half. Mayfield became the first Browns quarterback to throw four TDs in the first half since Hall of Famer Otto Graham in 1951. Thatโs the guy that the Cleveland Browns know who he is. Tennessee opened the second half scoring back-to-back touchdowns within the first six minutes.
![Browns' Garrett said COVID 'kicked my butt, now I'm back'](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/175rQn45vBFOErkMxEOOEXh0mqQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ENAFAYVJONAU3D2KTYGVRBWDLA.jpg)
Browns' Garrett said COVID 'kicked my butt, now I'm back'
CLEVELAND โ Myles Garrett pushes, shoves and fights 300-pound offensive linemen on a nearly daily basis for a living. โKicked my butt,โ the Browns star said Friday. As his sickness dragged on, he grew concerned about heart problems, which can occur in some COVID patients. "Iโm feeling as normal as Iโm going to. So Iโm treating it as if Iโm picking up right where I left off.
![Browns star Beckham done for season with torn knee ligament](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/EIAdLnzu04ZI0547GO4NYgcnGtc=/1600x1068/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WD5QSIBPXVDGPKYVN6GP5H6DB4.jpg)
Browns star Beckham done for season with torn knee ligament
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)CLEVELAND โ Odell Beckham Jr.'s second season with Cleveland ended painfully and prematurely. The star wide receiver suffered a torn left knee ligament during Sunday's 37-34 win at Cincinnati, a devastating personal blow or Beckham and a setback to the Browns, who are off to their best start since 1994 and eyeing a playoff spot. An MRI taken Monday in Cleveland confirmed the diagnosis of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The team said Beckham will be placed on injured reserve, but there is no immediate word on when he'll undergo surgery. While Beckham had continued to make some headlines with some off-the-field antics, he had been emerging as a leader on the Browns.
![Hurting Mayfield, Browns score late, outduel Bengals 37-34](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/Ym04e09RpLO3bnQSJt_tFdXAtl0=/1600x1069/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IWRLXQHLFNDNVM24NIZ4BMM43Q.jpg)
Hurting Mayfield, Browns score late, outduel Bengals 37-34
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones after Peoples-Jones' touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)CINCINNATI โ Baker Mayfield overcame a terrible start to throw for five touchdowns, including a 24-yard go-ahead score to Donovan Peoples-Jones with 15 seconds left, and the Cleveland Browns outdueled the Cincinnati Bengals 37-34 on Sunday. Nursing sore ribs, Mayfield started 0 for 5 โ including an interception on his first attempt of the game. Rashard Higgins had six catches for 110 yards, and tight end Harrison Bryant had two touchdown catches. MISSING PIECESThe Bengals had lost Mixon (foot) and cornerback William Jackson III (concussion) to injuries during the week.
![Lions WR Golladay makes 2020 debut; Bucs' Godwin also active](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/s49R57QwKiNdRI7cxcDznmIsqLU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JLOFWIWQSVAP7IFJZV2SBJL6HQ.jpg)
Lions WR Golladay makes 2020 debut; Bucs' Godwin also active
Jeudy is active for the Bucs game as Denver quarterback Jeff Driskel makes his first start while Drew Lock recovers from a shoulder injury. Cardinals: QB Brett Hundley, WR Christian Kirk, RB Eno Benjamin, OL Mason Cole, OL Josh Miles, DL Leki Fotu. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaรฉ Sharpe, WR K.J.