BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Case Keenum has tested positive for COVID-19, potentially leaving the team without its top two quarterbacks for Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Kimberley Martin.
Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield already tested positive for the virus earlier this week and remains on the reserve/COVID 19 list.
Nick Mullens, who was just added to the added to the active roster Thursday, is now in line to start at quarterback for the Browns. Mullens started 16 games for the San Francisco 49ers between the 2018 and 2020 seasons, but has yet to throw a pass for the Browns.
Keenum practiced for Cleveland on Thursday.
The NFL on Thursday relaxed the testing requirements to clear vaccinated people, potentially clearing the players on the list for a faster return and has said it has not discussed moving the Browns-Raiders game to another day.
Mayfield criticized the league on Thursday, tweeting: “@NFL Make up your damn mind on protocols. Showing up and making only 3 teams test?!? All so you can keep the game as scheduled to make money.”
“Actually caring about player safety would mean delaying the game with this continuing at the rate it is…. But to say you won’t test vaccinated players if they don’t have symptoms, then to pull this randomly. Doesn’t make any sense to me,” he added in another tweet.
Actually caring about player safety would mean delaying the game with this continuing at the rate it is….
But to say you won’t test vaccinated players if they don’t have symptoms, then to pull this randomly. Doesn’t make any sense to me.— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) December 16, 2021
Schefter and Martin reported that four more Browns defenders, including safety Grant Delpit, have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the number with this week to 20. The Browns already added safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. to the COVID list Thursday.
Earlier Thursday, the Browns activated tight end David Njoku from the COVID list. Njoku, who missed last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, rejoined the team in time to practice Thursday.
Coach Kevin Stefanski was away from Thursday’s practice after testing positive for COVID earlier this week. If Stefanski is not able to return for Saturday’s game, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as Cleveland’s acting head coach.
