The Browns could be without upwards of 20 different players due to COVID-19 when they host the Raiders in their postponed Week 15 matchup on Monday at 5 p.m. ET. But starting quarterback Baker Mayfield is hopeful he won't be one of them. Mayfield was part of the first wave of Browns players to test positive for COVID in the lead-up to Week 15 and has been on COVID reserve ever since. But he hinted on Instagram Sunday night that he's asymptomatic and praying he'll test negative to be cleared for Monday night's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fully vaccinated players are required to test negative for COVID two times, 24 hours apart, in order to return to the field. Mayfield's absence would be a big blow to a Browns team already without a number of other starters and notable role players, including running back Kareem Hunt, wide receiver Jarvis Landry, tight end Austin Hooper and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. Backup QB Case Keenum is also on COVID reserve after testing positive before the weekend.
Should Mayfield and Keenum be sidelined for Monday night's game, which was originally scheduled for Saturday night, the Browns are set to turn to former 49ers reserve Nick Mullens, just signed off the practice squad this week, as their emergency starter. Former Giants and Eagles backup Kyle Lauletta is also on Cleveland's roster as QB depth for the Browns, who have also been without coach Kevin Stefanski due to COVID-19.