Account
Baker Mayfield Placed on COVID-19 List After Browns Staffer Tests Positive
November 8, 2020
The Cleveland Browns announced Sunday they've placed starting quarterback Baker Mayfield on the reserve/COVID-19 list after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.
Here's the full statement from the Browns, who are currently on their bye week:
ESPN's Jake Trotter reported Mayfield hasn't tested positive and will be eligible to resume practicing Wednesday if he continues to test negative.
The United States is dealing with another outbreak of COVID-19 with three straight days of more than 120,000 new cases, including a single-day record of 126,742 positive tests Saturday, per CNN's Madeline Holcombe.
Several NFL teams have been impacted by the virus' latest surge.
The Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins all entered the league's more intensive COVID-19 protocols this week because of positive tests among staff members.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported three teams also recorded positive tests among players Friday: two from the Cincinnati Bengals, one from the Chicago Bears and one from the Green Bay Packers, who beat the San Francisco 49ers one day earlier on Thursday Night Football.
Meanwhile, Mayfield has started all eight games for the Browns during their 5-3 start.
The 25-year-old University of Oklahoma product has completed 61.4 percent of his throws for 1,514 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He ranks 12th in ESPN's Total QBR.
Case Keenum, who's made 62 starts across nine NFL seasons, would be in line to take over the top spot on the depth chart if Mayfield misses Week 10's game against the Houston Texans. Kyle Lauletta is on the practice squad for depth and could slide into the backup role.
Mayfield should be back in plenty of time to start next Sunday as long as he avoids a positive test.