The Cleveland Browns may be shorthanded heading into a key matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend. NFL insider Adam Schefter has reported that Browns Quarterback Baker Mayfield and his head coach, Kevin Stefanski, have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, both Mayfield and Stefanski must pass two COVID-19 tests before Saturday or they will miss their upcoming game against the Raiders. In the event that Stefanski and Mayfield do not pass two tests before Saturday, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer and Case Keenum will step in acting head coach and starting quarterback.
Despite the issues presented by the ongoing pandemic, Stefanski and Mayfield are still moving forward with the expectation of leading the Browns against the Raiders. Fortunately, Mayfield says he’s feeling “completely normal” and Stefanki is “feeling fine.”
“We have a game Saturday at 4:30, unless somebody tells me otherwise,” Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday.
Stefanski and Mayfield are two of the latest additions to Cleveland’s COVID-19/Reserve list. Prior to Wednesday, John Johnson III, Troy Hill, Malik McDowell, Jarvis Landry, Wyatt Teller, Austin Hooper and Jedrick Wills Jr. have also been placed on the COVID-19/Reserve list.
Cleveland is no stranger to performing under the pressure of a COVID-19 outbreak. Last season, Kevin Stefanski was unable to coach the Browns during their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. Through all of that, Cleveland beat Pittsburgh by 11 points on the road.
