NFL Approves Schedule Change for Cleveland Browns vs Las Vegas Raiders; Here’s Why

Given the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the NFL postponed the Saturday matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Raiders. The postponement allows the Browns to get some of their key players back while still in a postseason race. The Browns have 20 players and two coaches on reserve.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Raiders fought the postponement as they wanted to play Saturday. Fowler believes that the guidelines clearly stated that teams with outbreaks had to forfeit. However, the NFL made its final decision by postponing the fixture to Monday.

“We’ve 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 said in a release. “We continue to make decisions in consultation with medical experts to ensure the health and safety of the NFL community.”

Cleveland Browns in response to the NFL

Following the Browns released their own statement, emphasizing the fact that they have met all the protocols carefully, and they continue to do so.

“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,” Browns Senior Vice President Peter John-Baptiste said in a statement. “The team conducted virtual meetings and a virtual walkthrough this morning and plans 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.”

Raiders vs. Browns

Both the 7-6 Browns and 6-7 Raiders still have a chance to make the playoffs with just four games left for the season to end. They are currently at the eighth and twelfth seeded teams in the AFC, respectively. With that in mind, the coming few games are going to be crucial for both the franchises, who fight for a spot in the postseason.

As a result of the delay, the Raiders will also have an opportunity to have the Pro Bowl tight end, Darren Waller, back in the game. Waller, who had missed the previous two games due to knee and back issues, got ruled out after not practicing all week.

The Browns have been hit by the wave, as since Tuesday, 22 players have tested positive, including 10 starters. The latest of them was RB Kareem Hunt and DE Jadeveon Clowney, who tested positive on Friday. Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, Wyatt Teller, Jedrick Wills Jr., Malik McDowell, John Johnson III, Jamie Gillan, and Ronnie Harrison Jr. are among the other starters on the list.

The Browns’ game against the Raiders was one of three games rescheduled this week due to double-digit Covid positives in the team, including the Rams and the Washington Football Team.

Also Read: Lamar Jackson Injury Report: Ravens in Trouble Ahead of Crucial Packers Fixture