Mayfield, Stefanski among Browns in COVID-19 protocol as outbreak worsens
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was among six players added to the team's COVID-19 list Wednesday, the club announced.
Mayfield tested positive and will miss Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders unless he produces two negative tests by then, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The other players added to the COVID-19 reserve Wednesday are Troy Hill, John Johnson III, Malik McDowell, Ifeadi Odenigbo, and practice squad member Nate Meadors.
The team also announced earlier Wednesday that head coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive.
Stefanski has received his booster shot, and there is still a chance he returns for Saturday's game against the Raiders if he can register two negative tests before then.
If Stefanski isn't back by Saturday, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as head coach while offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call plays. Case Keenum is set to start at quarterback for the Week 15 contest unless Mayfield returns.
The 39-year-old Stefanski has already contracted COVID-19 once before, missing last season's playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers as a result.
Cleveland has added 14 players to the COVID-19 list over the last two days. The NFL placed the Browns in enhanced protocols this week after the team designated eight players, including receiver Jarvis Landry, for the reserve list Tuesday. The Browns will wear masks around the team facility while also conducting meetings virtually.
The #Browns currently have 17 players and 2 coaches on the COVID list. List is so long it won't fit in a tweet. pic.twitter.com/2ryDxKCV6W
- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 15, 2021
There currently hasn't been any discussion about changing the status of Saturday's game due to the Browns' COVID-19 outbreak.
"We feel confident with continuing changes and adaptions to our protocols we can do that," commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
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