Report: Mullens to start vs. Raiders with Mayfield still in COVID protocols

Cleveland Browns quarterback Nick Mullens will start Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders after Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum failed to test out of COVID-19 protocols, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Mayfield, who ended up on the COVID-19 list last Wednesday due to a positive test, shared Sunday that he's asymptomatic. He was hoping for a negative test prior to Monday's game.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will also remain out for Monday's game, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Stefanski entered COVID-19 protocols last week.

Keenum and Mayfield were among numerous Browns players to land on the COVID-19 list due to an outbreak within the organization. The multitude of positive tests caused the NFL to postpone Cleveland's game versus the Raiders, which was originally slated for Saturday.

The Browns will get back safety John Johnson after they activated him off the reserve list Monday. Cleveland also activated guard Wyatt Teller on Sunday.

The NFL recently updated its COVID-19 protocols in light of outbreaks around the league. They now include a reduction in testing for asymptomatic vaccinated players and relaxed return-to-play guidelines for those who've tested positive.

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