Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has tested positive for COVID-19 (Twitter link via Adam Schefter and Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN.com). This means that Mayfield will be held out of this week’s game against the Raiders, unless he tests negative twice between now and Saturday. The same goes for cornerback Troy Hill, safety John Johnson III, defensive tackle Malik McDowell, and Ifeadi Odenigbo, all of whom were also placed on the reserve list today (Twitter link).
[RELATED: Browns Place Eight Players On COVID-19 List]
Mayfield is just the latest in a slew of positive tests for the Browns. On Tuesday, the Browns were forced to place eight players on the reserve list, including wide receiver Jarvis Landry, right guard Wyatt Teller, tight end Austin Hooper, left tackle Jedrick Wills, and defensive end Takkarist McKinley. As of this writing, roughly 16% of the Browns’ active roster could be shelved for their pivotal Week 15 game.
Mayfield is asymptomatic, or feeling “completely normal,” as one source tells Schefter (Twitter link). Still, the same COVID-19 protocols apply for the Browns’ star quarterback. If he’s unable to play, backup Case Keenum will be in line to start with Nick Mullens serving as the QB2.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has also tested positive, leaving special teams coordinator Mike Priefer in charge for the week. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt — who does not typically call the plays — will run the offense on Saturday. And, on top of that, running back Kareem Hunt is expected to sit out as he heals up from his lingering calf injury. Ditto for cornerback Greg Newsome II (concussion) and safety Ronnie Harrison (ankle).
The Browns are 7-6 following last week’s W over the Ravens. They currently have a 40% chance of reaching the playoffs with a 25% chance of taking the division, per the stats at Five Thirty Eight.
Can’t we EVER have anything nice?
Keenum is probably an upgrade at this point
Yeah he’s a trooper and that is always a plus but at some point it becomes counterproductive. Between his injuries and the predictable play calling the Browns bring to the table on Sunday’s, I’d say that it’s probably better to let Keenum take the reigns for a while.
LoL….good luck with that.
Not a political question: What has changed with daily NFL operations that we see a spike in covid cases?
The NFL and other sports should re-evaluate their COVID protocols in Spring 2022. Between vaccines and therapeutics, players who test positive could be inactivated briefly but if they aren’t symptomatic they shouldn’t be forced to sit for multiple days.
They let guys who have other viruses that are controlled practice and play. Once adequate prevention and treatment are available, COVID should be treated like other seasonal illnesses.
Having a tough contract year season, between the injuries and now this
Kareem Hunt may want to take the field like Kevin Durant did last night when he was supposed to be a game time decision. In light of all the players forced into the protocols, they may need to activate all the players they can.
After what happened with the Broncos last year, I’m sure the Browns may want to put another QB on their practice squad. They should have room because I’m sure a bunch of PS players will be elevated in light of all the players in the protocols.
So ur telling me that the Raiders might have a shot at winning on Saturday?
I wish he’d test positive for some fantasy points in my dynasty league
Probably caught it when he was loaning Alice Cooper the wheelbarrow.
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If it were Pittsburgh or Baltimore this game would be rescheduled.