Browns-Raiders Game Postponed To Monday Amid COVID-19 Surge

CLEVELAND, OH — The National Football League announced Friday that Saturday's game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns has been moved to Monday.

The game between the two teams will now air exclusively at 5 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

The move comes in the wake of the Browns losing several players to COVID-19 since Tuesday. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also tested positive and has been self-isolating since Wednesday.

"We have made these schedule changes based on medical advice and after discussion with the NFLPA as we are seeing a new, highly transmissible form of the virus this week resulting in a substantial increase in cases across the league," the NFL wrote in its official announcement. "We continue to make decisions in consultation with medical experts to ensure the health and safety of the NFL community."

According to the NFL, Cleveland has seen a significant amount of positive COVID-19 cases since it last took the field Sunday, with more than 20 players currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Backup quarterback Case Keenum joined starter Baker Mayfield on the list after testing positive Thursday. Nick Mullens will start for the Browns if neither Mayfield or Keenum can return from the reserve/COVID-19 list in time for the new game time, the NFL said.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski and running backs coach Ryan Cordell are also currently unavailable because of COVID-19.

Following the game's postponement, Cleveland Browns Senior Vice President of Communications Peter John-Baptiste issued the following statement:

"While our team and entire organization diligently prepared for tomorrow's game as initially scheduled, both from an on-field and fan-experience standpoint, we respect the NFL's decision to postpone our matchup against the Raiders to Monday at 5 p.m. ET. As always, our top priority is the health and well-being of our community, coaches, players, and their families, whether that is related to COVID-19 or player safety factors. Our team has consistently adhered to the league's COVID-19 protocols during the past two seasons, and we will continue to operate in a manner that meets and oftentimes exceeds the guidelines dictated by the league and its medical experts.

"We fully recognize the fluidity of the situation, including Browns personnel who may be available this week, and remain in constant communication with the NFL. The team conducted virtual meetings and a virtual walkthrough this morning and plan to hold a practice tomorrow at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as we continue to prepare for the Raiders game. Although we are unable to disclose specifics, we are fortunate that every member of our organization who has recently tested positive was vaccinated, the majority of which are currently asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms.

"As we have done throughout the 2021 season, the Browns and FirstEnergy Stadium on Monday will continue to have various health and safety measures in place for our fans and staff members, including reliable access to hand sanitizer, comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting regimens, and more throughout the venue. In addition, as recommended by the CDC, the Browns strongly encourage everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear masks in indoor spaces; unvaccinated individuals are asked to wear a mask at all times, and vaccinated persons should consider doing the same when unable to socially distance. Ticket holders with questions about ticket policies should contact a Browns ticket office representative."

Following the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country and the league, the NFL said Thursday it is altering its health and safety protocols to "address the increase in cases and the advent of the Omicron variant."