Browns place RB D'Ernest Johnson on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Cleveland Browns were eliminated from the playoffs before Monday's defeat at the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Tuesday afternoon that starting quarterback Baker Mayfield won't play in this coming Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Cincinnati Bengals that means little to the Browns, outside of competing for pride. 

Cleveland could be without a few additional offensive weapons for Week 18. 

The Browns announced later on Tuesday that backup running back D'Ernest Johnson has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, putting his status for Sunday's matchup in doubt. As Ben Axelrod noted for WKYC, Johnson could be elevated back to the active roster by Sunday afternoon if he's asymptomatic. 

Stefanski said shortly after Monday's loss that first-choice ball-carrier Nick Chubb picked up an unspecified rib injury against the Steelers, and fellow running back Kareem Hunt didn't play in Pittsburgh because of a lingering ankle setback, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. 

Logic suggests the Browns will hold both Chubb and Hunt out against the Bengals if they're banged up ahead of the weekend. Johnson, meanwhile, became a one-time fantasy-football hero when he rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries while starting for a win over the Denver Broncos back on Oct. 21. 

Additionally, Cleveland restored quarterback Nick Mullens back to the practice squad from the practice squad/COVID-19 list. Mullens could serve as Case Keenum's backup against Cincinnati with Mayfield sidelined.