The Cleveland Browns are now down to third-string quarterback Nick Mullens for their huge game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday.
Earlier in the week, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He’s one of nearly 20 members of the Browns to be placed on said list in what is becoming a major outbreak of the virus around the NFL.
While the loss of Mayfield hurts, Cleveland had confidence that veteran backup Case Keenum could perform well under center.
About that. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Keenum has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the Week 15 games.
Just recently called up from the practice squad, this will represent the 17th career start for Nick Mullens. He was originally an un-drafted free agent of the San Francisco 49ers back in 2017.
Related: NFL Playoff and Super Bowl predictions
Nick Mullens to start for the Cleveland Browns with playoff hopes on the line
Mullens, 26, last saw action in a regular-season game a year ago this week. His former 49ers squad fell to the Dallas Cowboys by the score of 41-33 with Mullens completing 21-of-36 passes for 219 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
A product of Southern Mississippi, Mullens ended up starting eight games for the 49ers in 2020. He completed 65% of his passes for 2,437 yards with as many touchdowns as interceptions (12). Back in 2018 as a rookie, he threw 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight starts — making some NFL history in the process.
Cleveland currently sits at 7-6 and one game out of first place in the AFC North. It is also battling for one of three wildcard positions in the conference.