The Browns have placed starting quarterback Baker Mayfield on the reserve/COVID-19 list, according to a team announcement. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network was first to report the news (via Twitter), and the team’s statement can be found here.
Luckily, Mayfield did not test positive for the coronavirus. Instead, he is considered a close contact with a staff member who tested positive, and Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal says that staff member is not a coach. Based on when the contact occurred, Mayfield could be back at practice on Wednesday if he continues to test negative.
Since the Browns have a bye this week, it appears that Mayfield won’t miss any game action. If something should change in that regard, Case Keenum is available to take the reins.
Mayfield has had an up-and-down season in 2020 after a disappointing sophomore effort last year. He was terrific in a Week 7 win over the Bengals, but he flopped in Cleveland’s Week 8 loss to the Raiders. At 5-3, the Browns still have a good chance at a playoff berth, especially considering their favorable schedule, but questions about Mayfield persist.
On the season, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 draft has completed 61.4% of his passes and has thrown 15 TDs against seven picks, good for a 90.9 QB rating. But he has feasted on teams with poor defenses and has struggled against playoff contenders.
He will have a chance to right the ship against the Texans next week.
Easier to give hik COVID than answer questions about benching him.
He didn’t flop in week 8. His WRs and TEs had 5-6 dropped passes including 2 TDs. Kinda hard to play the game if your supporting cast keeps letting you down. Also it was in a hurricane. Baker wasn’t the reason the browns took the L last week.
I bet he caught it at that stupid book club.
Or Bible study.
I love Case Keenum. I’m certain he’ll take full advantage of this opportunity. Hope it works out for him!