The Browns sent star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. home on Thursday because of an illness, though he has not tested positive for COVID-19.
Beckham was tested for coronavirus before he was sent home, and initial tests came back negative, but the wide receiver's availability for the Browns' game against the Steelers at Heinz Field Sunday is now in question.
Beckham leads the Browns (4-1) with 21 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns and also has three carries for 72 yards and a score this season.
If he's unable to play in they key matchup against the Steelers (4-0), it would be a major blow for the Browns, who are already missing No. 1 running back Nick Chubb.
According to Dr. Alan Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, on Thursday, as the league enters flu and cold season, seeing players sent home with an illness could become a normal event. And they won't be allowed to rejoin their team -- even if they test negative for COVID-19 -- until symptoms of their illness subside.
That wasn't the only issue of concern for the Browns. Though quarterback Baker Mayfield said he expects to play Sunday, he was limited for the second consecutive day because of a rib injury. That could be bad news against a Steelers defense that leads the NFL in sacks with 20 and has registered 50 quarterback hits in just four games.
They also were without wide receiver Jarvis Landry (ribs/hip), who missed his second day of practice, safety Ronnie Harrison (concussion), guard Wyatt Teller (calf), safety Karl Joseph (hamstring) and linebacker Jacob Phillips (knee).
Center JC Tretter (knee) and running back Kareem Hunt (thigh) were limited for the second consecutive day.
For the Steelers, wide receiver Diontae Johnson (back) was limited on Thursday after sitting out completely on Wednesday. He is expected to play against the Browns.
Returning to practice Thursday for the Steelers after sitting out Wednesday were tight end Eric Ebron (hand), linebacker T.J. Watt (shoulder) and center Maurkice Pouncey (foot).
Guard David DeCastro was the only Steelers player listed as not practicing at all.