Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is officially out Monday against the Raiders.
Mayfield was recently placed on the league’s COVID-19 list, and there had been hope that with the game getting bumped from Saturday to Monday, he might test out of protocols. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
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
However, it didn’t happen. According to Tom Pelissero, Mayfield and Case Keenum both failed to test out of the protocols. That means Nick Mullens will start Monday against the Raiders.
#Browns QBs Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum didn’t test out of COVID protocols, so it’ll be Nick Mullens starting today against the #Raiders, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 20, 2021
This is a very tough break for the Browns. They need all the help they can get right now as they fight for a playoff spot with a 7-6 record.
There is virtually no room for more losses and the Browns will now have to take the field with a third string quarterback against a Raiders team that is more than capable of running it up on them.
The #Browns did activate safety John Johnson III from the COVID list. But no luck with the top two QBs, so Mullens will get his first Cleveland start today. https://t.co/eLOOz6CLk0
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 20, 2021
Can Nick Mullens lead Cleveland to a victory? Without a doubt. He is talented and has plenty of experience. He’s also the third string quarterback for a reason.
If he was the team’s best option, he’d be starting. Instead, he’s playing because the two guys ahead of him have tested positive for COVID-19.
Only player the Browns officially activated from reserve/COVID-19 today was S John Johnson I.
They did not activate either QB Baker Mayfield nor Case Keenum from the list, leaving QB Nick Mullens in line to start today vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. pic.twitter.com/IV1fQdyPeJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2021
You can catch the game at 5:00 EST on the NFL Network. It should be very interesting to see what happens.