The Steelers have closed their South Side facility after one of their players tested positive for COVID-19 and others were determined to have close contact.
Players and coaches were sent home after arriving at the facility.
“We have sent home our coaching staff, players and other staff members out of caution after we had one player test positive for COVID-19 that included several close contacts,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement. “We will continue to work with the NFL on contact tracing.”
Meanwhile, the team that eliminated the Steelers from the playoffs got some good news.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski expects to be back with his team this week after missing Sunday night’s playoff win over Pittsburgh with COVID-19.
Stefanski tested positive for the novel coronavirus last week and had to watch Cleveland’s 48-37 victory over the Steelers from his home’s basement. Stefanski admitted he nervously paced the floor during the game and has a new appreciation for what fans go through on game day.
“I don’t plan on doing that again,” he said. “I like to have some control.”
Stefanski anticipates returning to the Browns’ facility on Thursday. Cleveland plays the Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Sunday in Kansas City.
Stefanski said he lost his sense of taste, but otherwise has only experienced mild symptoms.
Following the game, Stefanski was able to celebrate with his players, who contacted him on FaceTime from Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Gerry Dulac: gdulac@post-gazette.com and Twitter @gerrydulac.
First Published: January 11, 2021, 7:00 p.m.