CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski have tested positive for COVID-19, NFL.com and ESPN reported Wednesday.
The team confirmed that Mayfield, as well as cornerback Troy Hill, safety John Johnson III, defensive tackle Malik McDowell, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo and safety Nathan Meadors were placed on reserve/COVID-19 lists Wednesday. Browns running backs coach Ryan Cordell also tested positive, according to ESPN.
If Mayfield and Stefanski do not turn in two negative COVID-19 tests by Saturday, they will miss Saturday afternoon’s game against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders (6-7), ESPN reported. The Browns (7-6) trail the Baltimore Ravens by a game in the AFC North and are battling for one of the seven AFC playoff spots. The Browns are currently seeded eighth.
Baker Mayfield has tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell @FieldYates, @ByKimberleyA and @AdamSchefter.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 15, 2021
The Browns QB will be out vs. the Raiders Saturday unless he tests negative twice. pic.twitter.com/ZM0Q3wBJeN
If Mayfield is unable to play, Case Keenum will receive his second start in Cleveland, WJW-TV reported.
“I think it’s all eyes forward. Everyone’s getting ready to go. Maybe a lot more mentally,” Keenum told the television station. “We’re looking nowhere but forward. We don’t have time or energy to look backward.”
In his last start with Cleveland, Keenum led the Browns to a 17-14 win against the Denver Broncos, throwing for 199 yards and one touchdown.
Kevin Stefanski is confident in the team's leadership as it battles through this latest round of adversity.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 15, 2021
"I really believe that they are going to focus on the task at hand."
If Stefanski, 39, is unable to coach on Saturday, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as Cleveland’s acting head coach, ESPN reported.
“It’s just another obstacle that’s in the way,” Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday. “We have really good leadership on this team with our players, and I really believe that they are going to focus on the task at hand.”
In a statement, the Browns said that Stefanski “is feeling fine and will continue his head-coaching duties virtually.” Stefanski said Tuesday that he had received a COVID-19 booster in addition to being vaccinated.
More coronavirus pandemic coverage:
>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?
>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does
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