The Cleveland Browns continue to deal with a COVID outbreak, learning on Wednesday that head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield tested positive a day after eight others were placed on the COVID reserve.
The Browns are scheduled to play Saturday, meaning they could be significantly shorthanded for the game.
Yet, there does not appear to be any indication that the NFL will postpone it.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk: “There’s been no discussion of changing the game’s status.”
Stefanski held a Zoom call with reporters on Wednesday and echoed that statement.
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“I’m kind of keeping the focus on today,” he said. “We have a game at 4:30 on Saturday, unless someone tells me otherwise. And, really, we just have to focus on what we need to do to prepare. And that’s out full expectation, is to get out there with our guys Saturday and go find a way.”
Any vaccinated player who can produce two negative tests within 24 hours is eligible to come off the COVID reserve list for Saturday’s game.
If Stefanski continues to test positive, special teams coach Mike Priefer will serve as the acting head coach.
Meanwhile, Mayfield is preparing as if he will play.
“Whether you’re positive or not, injured, you have to stay locked in,” Stefanski said. “Baker, specifically, [is] locked in.”
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