After a week in which a decimated Browns passing offense, led by Nick Mullens and Donovan Peoples-Jones, sputtered in a loss to the Raiders, it looks as though the lineup will take a major step toward a return to normalcy.
On Friday, quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum were both activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry was activated as well, giving the Browns their top passer and top receiver entering a matchup with the Packers where they'll need all the offense they can get. Cornerback A.J. Green and defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo rounded out the five-player group that was activated ahead of Week 16.
Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and kicker Chase McLaughlin went the other way, as they were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list the same day.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who will also return from a COVID-related absence for Saturday's clash in Green Bay, said that he anticipated Mayfield playing if he was cleared from COVID protocols, and that's exactly what happened. Because he hasn't practiced in some time, Stefanski said that Mayfield will participate in a pregame walkthrough on Saturday morning, ahead of the 4:30 p.m. kickoff.
Despite this good news, there are still several Browns players who remain in COVID protocols, including center J.C. Tretter, who had not missed a game — or even a single snap — since joining the Browns in 2017.
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