Browns Place QB Baker Mayfield On The COVID-19 List

By Kyle Daubs November 8, 2020 @DaubsKyle

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 13: Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up prior to the National Football League game between the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns on October 13, 2019, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. — (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

Luckily, the Browns were on a bye week.

The Cleveland Browns have placed quarterback Baker Mayfield on the COVID-19 reserve list.

Officially, it was revealed the Mayfield did not test positive for COVID-19.

Baker Mayfield himself has not tested positive for Covid-19. Came into contact with a staff member who did. Mayfield could be cleared to practice as soon as Wednesday morning if he continues to test negative. #Browns

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 8, 2020

Cleared Soon?

The good news is that Mayfield should be cleared to play against the Houston Texans next week.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo confirmed that Mayfield did not test positive, and should be cleared by Wednesday.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield will he placed on the COVID-19 list today because he was a close contact to someone who tested positive. Could be cleared as early as Wednesday.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 8, 2020

The Browns are 5-3 and are in a great position to make a run for the playoffs.

The team will need their QB1 back in order to continue that goal.

Official Statement

In coordination with placing Mayfield on the IR/COVID list, the Browns released this official statement:

“The Cleveland Browns were informed Saturday morning that a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing was conducted and close contacts were immediately self-isolated. When the team returns to work following the bye on Monday, it will follow the NFL-NFLPA intensive protocol. We will continue to work closely with the league and medical experts on the appropriate next steps with the health and safety of our players, coaches and staff members remaining our highest priority.”

We have placed QB Baker Mayfield on the reserve/COVID-19 list. pic.twitter.com/1aALE1m06J

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 8, 2020

From what it sounds like Mayfield should be able to return soon.

However, Mayfield will not be able to practice on Monday.

That will give Case Keenum first-team reps for that day.

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About Kyle Daubs

Kyle Daubs is a freelance journalist and writer. He is also a special education teacher at Peoria Central High School, as well as a cross country and track coach. While completing his teaching degree, Kyle wrote for numerous newspapers, covering high school and college sports. Kyle later became a published author, writing the Charleston High School Records Book. Kyle is a native of Charleston, Illinois, where he attended Eastern Illinois University. Kyle recently completed his master's degree in special education. In sports, Kyle has spent the last couple of years covering the NFL, specifically the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.