Baker Mayfield’s prayers to test negative for COVID-19 were not answered.
The Browns quarterback, who hoped to get the start Monday against the Raiders, did not test out of COVID protocols, according to NFL Network. Mayfield’s backup, Case Keenum, also failed to test out of protocols, which means third-string quarterback Nick Mullens is slated to start in the afternoon game.
Prior to Monday’s game, which had been rescheduled from Saturday afternoon, Mayfield wrote on his Instagram Stories that he’s “blessed to be healthy and have had no symptoms,” adding, “praying to test negative for COVID.”
Over the weekend, the NFL announced new COVID-19 protocols to dramatically reduce testing for vaccinated, asymptomatic players. Unfortunately for the Browns, they will still be without their starting quarterback.
The Browns are expected to kick off Monday with 22 of its players still on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including 10 starters, according to ESPN. Head coach Kevin Stefanski also remains in the protocols.
Mullens started in 16 games for the 49ers between 2018-2020 and was 5-11 in those contests. He was signed to the Browns’ practice squad in September.
Monday’s game between Cleveland and Las Vegas is profoundly important in the AFC playoff standings. In the AFC North, both the Bengals and Ravens are 8-6, while the Browns are 7-6, and the Steelers are 7-6-1. The Raiders, at 6-7, could heavily bolster their “in the hunt” status for a wild-card berth with a win.
The Raiders are currently 2.5-point favorites against the Browns.
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