Baker Mayfield: Lack of Practice Won't Impact Browns in Steelers Playoff Game

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield hasn't thrown a football since he helped the team make the postseason with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday as the team deals with an outbreak of COVID-19.

But he's not concerned about the consequences of that leading into Sunday's wild-card rematch.

"It won't have an impact," he said Thursday, via Keith Britton of 92.3 The Fan. 

The Browns have not had any in-person events this week after five members of the coaching staff, including head coach Mike Stefanski, have tested positive for the coronavirus, and seven players are on the league's reserve/COVID-19 list. 

NFL rules dictate that any person who tests positive for the virus must sit out of activities for 10 days. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call plays. 

ESPN's Jake Trotter reported that Stefanski will be able to reach the team via phone or video call until kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET, at which point all contact must be stopped. 

"I'm disappointed for anybody that can't be a part of this; all of our guys that can't be a part of this is disappointing to me, but we have to find a way," Stefanski said, per Trotter. "That's what our charge is. That's what we're working on."

According to Jeff Risdon of Yahoo Sports, the team has been preparing for its first playoff game in 18 years through remote walkthroughs and individual work at home. 

As the Browns try to notch their first win in Pittsburgh after 17 consecutive losses dating back to 2003, they may have the advantage, and not just because they were able to come out of last week victorious.

The Steelers, who allowed more than 5,500 fans at games in October and November, have been limited by a Pennsylvania state order since December that has kept capacity to just to their friends and family. The same policy will be in effect on Sunday.