The Cleveland Browns continue to be ravaged by COVID-19 as they will now be forced to utilize their backup kicker. Chase McLaughlin has tested positive for COVID-19 per a report from Brad Stainbrook of the Orange and Brown Report, so he will be out against the Green Bay Packers. Chris Naggar will do the kicking for the Browns in Lambeau Field.
McLaughlin has come under fire for missed kicks over the past six weeks, prompting questions from the media as to whether he will be replaced. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been steadfast, saying McLaughlin is their kicker.
These questions came on the heels of the Browns switching punters. Jamie Gillan, who was on the COVID-19 list, was waived in favor of Dustin Colquitt, who punted the past two games in relief. Gillan had been struggling for almost two seasons and Colquitt's performance which was largely average, was good enough to make the switch.
McLaughlin will be idle as Naggar kicks for the Browns, getting the same opportunity as Colquitt. Bystanders will be watching to see if Naggar is a better field goal kicker in this game and any others he might kick in compared to McLaughlin.
McLaughlin's appeal was a powerful leg with distance, which was an upgrade from Cody Parkey, the team's kicker in 2020. McLaughlin started out the 2021 season at an outstanding clip, but has fallen off in recent weeks.
This is one more challenge the Browns are facing against arguably the best team in the NFL, a game where a win would possibly put them back on track to win the AFC North division.
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