A number of Cleveland Browns players have been placed into the NFL's COVID protocols this week, including starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. That has left back up quarterback Case Keenum to get the start this week.

It was reported Tuesday morning that Mayfield tested positive for COVID-19. He could still gain clearance to play Saturday vs the Las Vegas Raiders, but will require two consecutive negative COVID tests prior to the game.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also tested positive and might miss Saturday's game.

Assuming Baker Mayfield is unable to play, the veteran back up, Case Keenum, appears to be pretty loose. Amid the Browns COVID out break, Keenum seems to be keeping things light.

When speaking to the media about having Nick Chubb as his starting tailback, Keenum offered this gold nugget:

The Browns are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders in a crucial game Saturday. Cleveland is coming off the biggest win of the season, beating the Baltimore Ravens, 24-22. The win pulled them within a game of the division lead. It also put them squarely in the mix for a wild card spot if they cannot win the division.

The AFC North is the only division without a team with a losing record. The Ravens are 8-5, with the Browns and Bengals 7-6 and the Steelers 6-6-1. It's anyone's division. But if the Browns don't win it, this game against the Raiders is pivotal for the wild card.

One game separates the #6 seed Indianapolis Colts (7-6) and the #13 seed Miami Dolphins (6-7). Every game is critical at this point for the Browns.