On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns are scheduled to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. However, thanks to a slew of COVID-19 positive tests, the question of whether or not that game will be postponed is being asked.
The Browns, in particular, and being decimated by positive tests. Tuesday, they announced that wide receiver Jarvis Landry and tight end Austin Hooper were among eight players that were on the COVID list. Wednesday morning, the team announced head coach Kevin Stefanski also tested positive for COVID.
Now comes word that quarterback Baker Mayfield has tested positive and the Browns now have 14 players on the reserve/COVID list just from the last two days.
Browns now have placed 14 players on the reserve/COVID list the past two days.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021
As for Mayfield, as a vaccinated player, he might still be able to play if he is able to produce two negative tests between today and Saturday.
Browns’ QB Baker Mayfield has tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell @FieldYates, @ByKimberleyA and me. Unless he produces two negative tests between Saturday, he’s out vs. Raiders.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021
In the meantime, he reportedly feels “completely normal.” If Mayfield can’t go, Case Keenum will get the start for Cleveland.
Browns’ QB Baker Mayfield is said to “feel completely normal”, per a source, but he has tested positive for COVID. Now Case Keenum is in line to start Saturday vs. the Raiders, with Nick Mullens as his backup.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021
There has been a sharp uptick in positive COVID cases in the last couple of weeks, not just in the NFL but in the other major leagues as well. The rise in cases involving the Omicron variant is being pointed to.
NFL now has seven teams in enhanced COVID protocols: Browns, Bears, Falcons, Lions, Rams, Vikings and the WFT.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021
We’ll see if any of these cases end up causing one of Sunday’s games to be canceled, but in the meantime, the news about the Cleveland Browns certainly has NFL folks talking on social media.
11 of them being starters. Plus our Head Coach. @NFL needs to move the game. https://t.co/k798ZpNZw6
— Ohios Tate (@BarstoolTate) December 15, 2021
More player tests are being re-run in Berea as we speak… but, add #Browns CB Troy Hill to the list of positive COVID cases https://t.co/aJqleEranq
— KimberlEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) December 15, 2021
Are we sure it’s really a downgrade to Case Keenum? (ducks) https://t.co/Gym1qzAjJt
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) December 15, 2021
The timing of all this is pretty bad for the Browns, who are one game back of the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North lead and close to contending for a wild card berth at 7-6. We’ll see if the league decides to push the game, especially if we hear about more positive cases.