Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield activated from COVID-19 list

The Cleveland Browns will have Baker Mayfield under center in Week 10

During the Cleveland Browns bye week, there was a bit of a scare. News broke that Baker Mayfield was added to the COVID-19 reserve list.

There was some encouragement though, as it was quickly reported that Mayfield had not come down with the virus himself, but instead was in contact with a staff member who did test positive. As for his availability for Week 10, Cleveland had to wait until Wednesday to learn of his fate.

With that day here, the Browns got some good news. Mayfield apparently tested negative as they announced on their official Twitter page that No. 6 was removed from the reserve list.

Had Mayfield been unable to go, the Browns would have turned to Case Keenum as the starter. While there’s a significant drop off in talent from Mayfield to Keenum, Cleveland did feel as though they could compete with their backup, and there’s a reason for that optimism.

Keenum is not only one of the higher-paid backups in the league, but he also has experience with head coach Kevin Stefanski. The relationship the two have, which goes back to their 2017 season in Minnesota together, is the main reason Keenum was given a three-year deal heading into 2020.

Even so, backups are backups for a reason. As much as Keenum brings to the table, it isn’t the same as having their franchise quarterback under center.

Cleveland is 5-3 coming off their bye week as they prepare to face the Houston Texans in Week 10. They enter a pivotal stretch of the season and having Mayfield will be key as they hope to make a push to the playoffs in the second half.