Olivier Vernon
File-This Sept. 17, 2020, file photo shows Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, in Cleveland. Stefanski's first season as an NFL coach was sublime, almost storybook. He ended Cleveland's long playoff drought, won a postseason game _ while watching from his basement as he recovered from COVID-19, and guided his team around endless obstacles in a global pandemic to almost the AFC championship. An unforgettable year, indeed. And as far as Stefanski's concerned, nothing to celebrate.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Stefanski, Browns back at 'square one' after '20 turnaround

By Tom Withers Mar. 02, 2021 07:08 PM EST

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass during the second half of an NFL divisional round football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Kansas City. The Chiefs won 22-17. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Browns, Mayfield expecting to build upon 2020 successes

By Tom Withers Jan. 18, 2021 06:44 PM EST

Cleveland Browns fans celebrate after the team defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Mayfield pushes Browns back into AFC playoffs, prominence

By Tom Withers Jan. 04, 2021 04:19 PM EST

Cleveland Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) grimaces after an injury during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Browns lose DE Vernon for playoffs with torn Achilles tendon

By Tom Withers Jan. 04, 2021 01:01 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) is sacked by Cleveland Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Browns' defense thinned by virus, injuries to face Jaguars

By Tom Withers Nov. 27, 2020 03:34 PM EST

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Browns star Garrett to miss second game with COVID-19 virus

By Tom Withers Nov. 23, 2020 12:31 PM EST

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt, top, rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Browns step up without Garrett, down Eagles in steady rain

By Tom Withers Nov. 22, 2020 05:59 PM EST

Cleveland Browns kicker Cody Parkey (2) is congratulated by Jamie Gillan after Parkey kicked a 41-yard field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns were forced to place three more players, including starting right tackle Jack Conklin and kicker Cody Parkey, on the COVID-19 list Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, as they prepare for this week's home game against Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Browns place 3 more on COVID list, Garrett kept home "sick"

By Tom Withers Nov. 18, 2020 12:44 PM EST

Seattle Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs, left, consoles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones in the end zone after intercepting a Falcons pass during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Falcons won't have star WR Julio Jones for Bears game

By The Associated Press Sep. 27, 2020 12:44 PM EDT