HEADLINES

Baker Mayfield

Browns’ Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett Expected To Be Active Today

December 25th, 2021 at 9:51am CST by Ben Levine

The Browns will have their top QBs available for this afternoon’s showdown with the Packers. The team reported that QB Case Keenum has cleared protocols and accompanied starter Baker Mayfield to Green Bay. Mayfield posted an IG story this morning showing him arriving in Green Bay for the afternoon game (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com on Twitter).

Per Stacey Dales of NFL Network (on Twitter), Mayfield is “ready to roll,” and his “body feels the healthiest it’s been in a while.” The QB was asymptomatic during his stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he stayed “very involved virtually” for his eventual return. Mayfield tested positive for the coronavirus December 15 but could not navigate the return protocol until yesterday. Now, he’ll have a chance to guide Cleveland to a crucial win against the top team in the league.

Keenum landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 17, forcing him to miss a potential start against the Raiders (a start that ultimately went to Nick Mullens). The veteran got one start filling in for Mayfield earlier this season, completing 21 of his 33 pass attempts for 199 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Broncos.

Myles Garrett is also planning on playing this afternoon. The star pass rusher is listed as questionable with a groin injury, but Garrett told Cabot that he has no intention of missing the Christmas game.

“I feel like I’ll play regardless of how I feel,” Garrett said. “I haven’t practiced, so we’ll see. But I’m going to go out there and give my all. We’ve got to win out to make the playoffs and I’m going to play in every second of the game that I can.”

 

NFL COVID List Updates: 12/24/21

December 24th, 2021 at 6:14pm CST by Ely Allen

We’ve compiled a list of players who were placed on or activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list today. In some instances, players activated from the list remain on IR:

Baltimore Ravens

  • Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: S Chuck Clark, C Trystan Colon
  • Activated from practice squad/COVID-19 list: RB Nate McCrary
  • Placed on practice squad/COVID-19 list: QB Chris Streveler

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

  • Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: DB Jordan Fuller, TE Tyler Higbee
  • Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: OL Cole Williamson

Miami Dolphins

  • Activated from practice squad/COVID-19 list: RB Gerrid Doaks

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

  • Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: RB Travis Homer
  • Activated from practice squad/COVID-19 list: OL Pier-Olivier Lestage

Tennessee Titans

Washington Football Team

Browns Activate Baker Mayfield, Jarvis Landry From COVID-19 List

December 24th, 2021 at 2:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry did not practice this week, but both will be in line to play on Christmas Day. The Browns are activating Mayfield and Landry from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Mayfield tested positive for the coronavirus Dec. 15 but could not navigate the return protocol until Friday. Still, he will be expected to start against the Packers.

The Browns also activated backup Case Keenum, cornerback A.J. Green and defensive lineman Ifeadi Odengibo from the virus list for their Green Bay trip. Cleveland’s loss against Las Vegas, in a game Nick Mullens started with a host of backups at other spots, significantly diminished its playoff chances. The team was without 10 starters against the Raiders.

Some Browns remain on the virus list, including center J.C. Tretter and left tackle Jedrick Wills. Still, the Browns will be in better shape to face the Packers compared to the squad they were forced to deploy Monday.

Mayfield is still dealing with the left shoulder fracture he suffered earlier this season. The former No. 1 overall pick has dealt with other injury issues this season, but the shoulder problem will require surgery in 2022. Some of Mayfield’s numbers are well off his 2020 pace. He has thrown just 13 touchdown passes. While his completion percentage (62.8) is identical to his full-season 2020 mark and yards-per-attempt figure (7.6) up from last year, QBR slots Mayfield 25th. The metric placed the Browns starter 10th in 2020, putting him on track for a potential extension this year. Those talks have since been tabled, with a new deal unlikely until next year at least.

AFC Notes: Henry, Mayfield, Jets, Steelers

December 22nd, 2021 at 11:59am CST by Sam Robinson

Initially floated last month, the prospect of Derrick Henry coming back for the playoffs is moving closer to reality. Henry returning for the Titans‘ first postseason game is the plan, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes. Once thought to be out for the season, Henry has recovered well enough, per Rapoport, that the Titans would consider bringing him back for Week 18 — should the team need a win to reach the playoffs. Henry has been out since Week 8, when he suffered a Jones fracture in his foot. This would obviously be a tremendous development for the Titans, who have not been the same without the two-time reigning rushing champion. Henry’s 937 rushing yards still rank fifth in the NFL, despite the dominant back having missed the past six games. Henry underwent surgery Nov. 2.

Here is the latest from the AFC:

  • Although Baker Mayfield missed Monday’s game due to a positive COVID-19 test, the Browns quarterback has played through multiple injuries in the previous several weeks. The former No. 1 overall pick will, however, need offseason surgery and will be forced to wear a harness on his injured left shoulder the rest of this season, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes. Mayfield suffered a fractured shoulder bone in October. While some of Mayfield’s other injuries — of the knee and heel variety — have improved, the shoulder problem is unlikely to be in the rear-view mirror until after his 2022 surgery.
  • The Jets may be without their head coach in Week 16. Robert Saleh tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets. Tight ends coach Ron Middleton would step in as acting head coach if Saleh remains sidelined on Sunday, when the Jets face the Jaguars.
  • Mekhi Becton has yet to resume practicing, with Saleh indicating earlier this week he had “no update” on his left tackle. Out with a dislocated kneecap he sustained in Week 1, Becton has yet to resume practicing. The Jets shutting down their left tackle would be wise here, Cimini writes. Two years remain on the 370-pound blocker’s contract, with a 2024 option included, but availability has become a concern for the 2020 first-rounder. Becton missed some time last season, and the Jets have previously levied discipline over his weight.
  • First-year Steelers offensive line coach Adrian Klemm has attracted interest from a high-profile college program. Oregon is pursuing the NFL assistant, ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg tweets. Promoted after two years as the Steelers’ assistant O-line coach, Klemm has only been an NFL assistant for three seasons. He worked as a college staffer previously, ending that run as a UCLA associate head coach. Oregon is assembling a new staff under recently hired HC Dan Lanning.

Browns’ Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum Ruled Out

December 20th, 2021 at 9:31am CST by Zachary Links

Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum weren’t able to test out of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols in time for today’s game (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). With that, Nick Mullens is set to start for the Browns against the Raiders today.

[RELATED: Raiders-Browns Moved To Monday]

The Browns were able to activate safety John Johnson III from the list, but the bulk of their COVID-19 positive players from last week will be held out. To fill the roster, the Browns have elevated cornerbacks Brian Allen and Herb Miller, safeties Tedric Thompson and Jovante Moffatt, defensive end Joe Jackson, guard Hjalte Froholdt, and running back John Kelly for tonight’s game.

Without their top two QBs, the Browns will need a big day out of their running backs. Unfortunately, that group won’t include Kareem Hunt, who also finds himself on the COVID-19 list. Instead, they’ll look to Nick Chubb, who has 5.5 yards per carry on the year, and D’Ernest Johnson, the reserve who turned in a couple of impressive performances earlier this year.

Browns’ Baker Mayfield Tests Positive For COVID-19

December 15th, 2021 at 8:45am CST by Zachary Links

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has tested positive for COVID-19 (Twitter link via Adam Schefter and Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN.com). This means that Mayfield will be held out of this week’s game against the Raiders, unless he tests negative twice between now and Saturday. The same goes for cornerback Troy Hill, safety John Johnson III, defensive tackle Malik McDowell, and Ifeadi Odenigbo, all of whom were also placed on the reserve list today (Twitter link).

[RELATED: Browns Place Eight Players On COVID-19 List]

Mayfield is just the latest in a slew of positive tests for the Browns. On Tuesday, the Browns were forced to place eight players on the reserve list, including wide receiver Jarvis Landry, right guard Wyatt Teller, tight end Austin Hooper, left tackle Jedrick Wills, and defensive end Takkarist McKinley. As of this writing, roughly 16% of the Browns’ active roster could be shelved for their pivotal Week 15 game.

Mayfield is asymptomatic, or feeling “completely normal,” as one source tells Schefter (Twitter link). Still, the same COVID-19 protocols apply for the Browns’ star quarterback. If he’s unable to play, backup Case Keenum will be in line to start with Nick Mullens serving as the QB2.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has also tested positive, leaving special teams coordinator Mike Priefer in charge for the week. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt — who does not typically call the plays — will run the offense on Saturday. And, on top of that, running back Kareem Hunt is expected to sit out as he heals up from his lingering calf injury. Ditto for cornerback Greg Newsome II (concussion) and safety Ronnie Harrison (ankle).

The Browns are 7-6 following last week’s W over the Ravens. They currently have a 40% chance of reaching the playoffs with a 25% chance of taking the division, per the stats at Five Thirty Eight.

Browns GM Discusses Baker Mayfield’s Injury, Potential Extension

December 1st, 2021 at 10:21pm CST by Ben Levine

Much has been made of Baker Mayfield and his lack of an extension. Fuel has been added to that fire recently, as the Browns have gone 2-5 in Mayfield’s last seven starts, and Cleveland has been limited to only 30 points over their last three games (with the QB tossing three touchdowns vs. three interceptions). However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry provided the former first-overall pick with a vote of confidence today, and he said the signal caller’s various injuries shouldn’t impact the team’s ability to win games.

“Baker’s our quarterback,” Berry said (via ESPN’s Jake Trotter). “He’s healthy enough to win games for us. If he’s ready to go, he’s going to be our starter.”

While Berry refused to speak specifically about Mayfield’s potential extension, he did acknowledge that the team would (naturally) consider the player’s entire body of work vs. his recent struggles.

“With Baker, from a long-term perspective, you try to take a big picture,” Berry said. “With any player, it’s about the body of work over several years. We’ve seen Baker play good football here and play good football this season…There will be plenty of time to think about how we’re going to build the roster next year. Right now, we’re focused on doing everything in our power to maximize this current season.”

Mayfield’s fractured shoulder issue did require one missed game, a narrow Week 7 win over the Broncos, but he has otherwise played through that issue — an ailment that will almost certainly require offseason surgery. The QB also exited the Browns’ Week 10 loss to the Patriots with a knee injury, but that hasn’t forced him to miss any games (and Mayfield has refused to use the knee injury as an excuse for his recent play).

“We all know Baker is incredibly physically tough,” Berry said. “He’s had stretches where he has played well.”

Baker Mayfield Not Expected To Miss Time

November 17th, 2021 at 1:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Already battling a fractured shoulder, Baker Mayfield left Sunday’s game in New England with a knee injury. The Browns are not likely to need another Case Keenum fill-in start, however.

Neither Mayfield nor Kevin Stefanski expect a second missed start, though the fourth-year quarterback said (via cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, on Twitter) this is probably the most beat up he has been in his football career. Mayfield is not practicing Wednesday.

Mayfield escaped his latest injury without structural damage, suffering a knee contusion in the Browns’ loss to the Patriots. Mayfield’s shoulder issue did require one missed game, a narrow Week 7 win over the Broncos, but he has otherwise played through that issue — one that will almost certainly require offseason surgery. The Browns face the 0-8-1 Lions in Week 11.

As for Mayfield’s backfield, Nick Chubb remains on the Browns’ reserve/COVID-19 list. The Pro Bowl back is vaccinated and can return by submitting negative tests two days apart. Stefanski added Kareem Hunt will not return in Week 11, despite being eligible to do so. The fifth-year back has missed four games with his calf injury but is moving closer to returning. Demetric Felton also remains on Cleveland’s COVID list. The Browns activated running back John Kelly from their virus list.

The Browns have played without both Chubb and Hunt twice this season. D’Ernest Johnson was the last man standing in both games, and the ex-Alliance of American Football performer would start against the Lions if Chubb is not activated by Saturday afternoon. In his third Browns season, Johnson is averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Browns Eyeing 2022 Denzel Ward Extension

November 17th, 2021 at 11:30am CST by Sam Robinson

While the Browns opening substantive extension talks with Baker Mayfield before year’s end remains in play, they are not rushing the process with their 2018 first-round picks. Neither Mayfield nor Denzel Ward are signed long-term, despite the latter having begun talks this summer.

But the Browns are planning to extend Ward, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes, who adds the team does not view this as an urgent matter. This points to a Ward deal being likelier in 2022 than by season’s end. Ward is signed through 2022, with the Browns having picked up his $13.3MM fifth-year option in May.

The Browns were discussing a Ward deal in August, but they understandably opted to lock down contract-year starters Nick Chubb and Wyatt Teller first. Cleveland extended Joel Bitonio as well last week, moving to reward its Pro Bowl guard after taking care of his younger O-line mate. Ward and Mayfield represent the next dominoes here. It is certainly not uncommon for teams to slow-play extensions for non-quarterback first-round picks. Of the 2018 first-rounders, only Josh Allen has signed an extension.

A Cleveland-area native, Ward has become one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. He leads a Browns corner corps that features another first-round pick (Greg Newsome), an ex-second-rounder (Greedy Williams) and free agent acquisition Troy Hill. Pro Football Focus ranks Ward as the No. 5 overall corner through Week 10. The Ohio State product has run into injury trouble throughout his career. Ward has missed 12 career games, due to injuries and COVID-19, though he has been on the field for nine of Cleveland’s 10 contests this season.

Ward, 24, has displayed steadier work than Mayfield and has a clear path toward a top-market contract. Ex-Ward Ohio State teammate Marshon Lattimore becoming the third $19MM-per-year corner provides a better marker for the younger ex-Buckeye’s eventual extension. Lattimore, Marlon Humphrey and Jalen Ramsey have moved the bar past $19MM over the past year and change, helping this position break through after its market did not move much for several years.

Browns, Baker Mayfield Yet To Begin Serious Extension Talks

November 11th, 2021 at 12:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Browns have made substantial commitments to core offensive linemen this week, re-upping Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio on consecutive days. Entering the second half of the season, however, Baker Mayfield remains on his rookie deal.

Although Mayfield is open to extension talks taking place in-season, he and the Browns still have not engaged in substantive negotiations, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. It is a bit unusual for a team not to lock up its franchise quarterback ahead of his fourth season, but both Mayfield and Lamar Jackson are going through their respective fourth years on rookie deals.

Mayfield has gotten off to an unremarkable start, sitting 25th in QBR and having thrown just eight touchdown passes through nine games. Passer rating is a bit friendlier here, slotting the former No. 1 overall pick 12th. Mayfield’s yards-per-attempt number (8.5) also sits well north of his career-best mark of 7.7, set in his rookie year.

It will be interesting to see if the former Heisman winner’s play picks up without Odell Beckham Jr. in the picture, as it did during the second half of last season. The Browns moved on from OBJ on Monday, after beating the Bengals 41-16 without him in Week 9. Mayfield and Beckham struggled to establish an on-field rapport throughout the latter’s Cleveland tenure.

Legitimate negotiations not commencing yet does not mean they will not this season, as the Teller and Bitonio pacts illustrate. Mayfield finishing strong would obviously put him in stronger negotiating position. The Browns have Mayfield signed through 2022, via the fully guaranteed fifth-year option ($18.9MM).

Josh Allen‘s $43MM-per-year pact and the eventual extension Jackson reaches stand to factor into the Browns’ equation, but perhaps only to some degree. Mayfield has not delivered work worthy of MVP discussions like his two 2018 draft classmates yet and leads a run-based offense. The 26-year-old passer is also attempting to play through a major shoulder injury, which could limit his ability to put up big numbers down the stretch. The search for potential middle ground will add a fascinating element to the eventual Mayfield-Browns talks.

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