Roger Goodell: No discussion about postponing Browns-Raiders game despite COVID-19 issues
The 7-6 Cleveland Browns began the week with tight end David Njoku, punter Jamie Gillan and linebacker Anthony Walker on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Since then, the Browns added eight others to COVID-19 lists on Tuesday and then encountered additional setbacks Wednesday that included starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and cornerback Troy Hill all reportedly testing positive for the virus.
Per Kaylyn Hlavaty and Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland, the Browns now have 17 total players, Stefanski, and a running backs coach on the reserve COVID-19 list. Nevertheless, the show apparently must go on.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, commissioner Roger Goodell spoke with the media on Wednesday afternoon and confirmed Saturday's matchup between the Browns and 6-7 Las Vegas Raiders remains scheduled as planned:
Goodell made his comments after Mark Maske of The Washington Post reported the league could alter protocols to allow players who test positive for COVID-19 but are vaccinated and asymptomatic to return to team activities sooner:
Pelissero notes that 30 new NFL players tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Goodell's update wasn't surprising, as it was previously reported the NFL wasn't shifting the Raiders-Browns contest on the Week 15 schedule. However, the game's status could change depending on the results of Cleveland's coronavirus testing over the next 48 hours.
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