Browns COVID-19 troubles continue
The COVID-19 situation among Cleveland Browns players continues to get worse.
After Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and starting quarterback Baker Mayfield tested positive earlier this week, backup quarterback Case Keenum and multiple others tested positive following practice on Thursday, according to ESPN.
According to reports, others testing positive Thursday included safeties Ronnie Harrison and Grant Delpit, cornerback AJ Green and linebacker Jacob Phillips.
With Mayfield and Keenum on the list and likely out for Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Nick Mullens, who was activated from the practice squad as a COVID-19/replacement, is next in line to start. He has 16 career NFL starts with the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL announced Thursday changes to its health and safety protocols in light of the situation in Cleveland and around the league overall. The NFL is requiring masks regardless of vaccination status, meetings be held remotely or outdoors and the elimination of in-person meals.
Mayfield voiced his frustration with the NFL via Twitter, saying the league isn't being clear with the protocols and that the game should be moved. Mayfield also says in the tweet players were not tested before practice occurred Thursday, but after. According to profootballtalk.nbcsports.com, some teams "initially took the position that daily testing of vaccinated, asymptomatic players would not occur. Per multiple sources, the NFL Players Association got involved, and testing of all vaccinated, asymptomatic players occurs."
According to ESPN, the league has not discussed moving the game.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted the NFL's memo regarding the new protocol adjustments made Thursday, which allow for faster returns for fully vaccinated players, provided they are asymptomatic following a positive test, something that could help the Browns with a game on Saturday.
Only time will tell which players are officially ruled out for Saturday's, 4:30 p.m. game against the Raiders. According to Cleveland.com, the deadline to be activated for the game is Friday at 4:00 p.m.