Odell Beckham Jr. Sent Home By Browns Due To Illness

The Browns will be without star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for Thursday's practice. According to multiple reports, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Beckham was being sent home due to an illness.

One strong point of emphasis here is that Beckham has not been sent home due to a positive COVID-19 test. Stefanski described Beckham as simply "feeling under the weather," according to a tweet from Daryl Ruiter with 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

In other words, the Browns are taking an overly cautious approach. It's understandable considering the outbreaks that other teams like the Titans and Patriots have had to handle in recent weeks. But it also does not rule out Beckham's participation in this weekend's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If Beckham is unable to go on Sunday, it will be another blow to a Cleveland offense that will already be without running back Nick Chubb. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is also dealing with a chest injury that has kept him limited throughout the week.

Beckham had a slow start to the season. In the opening week, the 27-year-old caught only three passes on 10 targets for 22 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, he's hauled in 18 catches for 272 yards and three touchdowns over the last three games.

This is a situation worth monitoring, both from a fantasy and team perspective.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.