CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Even if Baker Mayfield doesn’t test out of the COVID protocols before the team flies to Green Bay Friday, the Browns hope to start him Saturday.
Mayfield is eligible to come off the COVID list Saturday morning, 10 days after initially testing positive for the virus.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Thursday that if healthy, Mayfield will start against the NFC-leading Packers.
“Taking this day by day,” Stefanski said. “[Friday], we will see if he tests out and is available to be with us tomorrow. If not, we will take it to Saturday. If he is as healthy as he has been and he is cleared and ready to go, then I anticipate him playing.”
In accordance with league protocols, Mayfield would travel separately to Green Bay should he not test out in time for the team flight.
Stefanski doesn’t seem concerned that Mayfield hasn’t practiced in two weeks. The plan is for him to participate in a pregame walk-through Saturday morning with kickoff set for 4:30.
“That is something that we typically do on a late afternoon start like this, and that is the benefit, certainly, if we are able to get Baker back like we anticipate, if not [Friday],” Stefanski said. “On gameday, we will certainly do that.
“There are moving parts throughout this. With Baker and any of the players, when you do not practice, you also have to understand that those players have banked many, many reps. With the quarterback, we have plays, concepts and things in that we have many, many reps on, going back to training camp, going back to last year, etc. with the players who will be in there.”