Report: Baker Mayfield tests positive for COVID-19 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Cleveland Browns’ COVID-19 outbreak now includes the team’s starting quarterback.
Baker Mayfield tested positive on Wednesday, according to ESPN, putting his status for Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders in serious jeopardy.
Brownsâ QB Baker Mayfield has tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell @FieldYates, @ByKimberleyA and me. Unless he produces two negative tests between Saturday, heâs out vs. Raiders.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021
The news of Mayfield’s positive test comes a day after eight Browns were placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list. Among those eight players were five starters, including wideout Jarvis Landry, tight end Austin Hooper and tackle Jedrick Wills.
Mayfield reportedly was not the only Brown to test positive on Wednesday, either, with cornerback Troy Hill added to that list.
Mayfield and Hill would need to produce two negative tests 24 hours apart between Wednesday and Saturday to take the field against the Raiders.
Next up on the Browns’ QB depth chart is Case Keenum. The nine-year veteran has made one start this season in relief of an injured Mayfield, and it also came on a short week. Keenum went 21-for-33 passing for 199 yards and a touchdown as the Browns beat the Denver Broncos 17-14 on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.
If Mayfield can’t play on Saturday, the next time he can suit up would be against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Christmas Day.