Both teams will be ready to go after having the game moved from Saturday to Monday. With the change, will there be any adjustments to the injury reports for the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns?
A Controversial Change
As the COVID-19 virus ravaged the NFL, few were more affected than the Browns. With over twenty positive tests, including the top two quarterbacks, the Browns’ roster was decimated. Many believed the game would have to be forfeited due to NFL rules. Instead, it was moved from Saturday to Monday. This was not taken too kindly by the Raiders or their fans, who believed the Browns should have been forced to forfeit. Alas, this did not happen, and instead, the Browns were given time to get some players back.
Who’s playing?
For the Browns, the postponement of the game could not have come at a better time. With twenty players on the COVID list, any reinforcements would be massive for Cleveland. They have currently been able to remove guard Wyatt Teller from the COVID list, and he will play today. Recently signed to a four-year, $56.8 million deal, Teller will boost the weakened Cleveland offense. Of course, the Browns will be looking to get starting quarterback Baker Mayfield back and would likely settle for backup Case Keenum. They will have until 2 PM tomorrow to test negative, but currently, third-string passer, Nick Mullens is in line for the start.
For the Raiders, there is less optimism. With a collection of starters on the injury report, the Raiders are dealing with their battles, just in different ways. Unfortunately for Las Vegas, they will be without Darren Waller, Trayvon Mullen, and Denzel Perryman against the Browns. The extra days off won’t bring these players back, so as the Raiders fight for their playoff lives, they will have to do it without three of their best players.
Put To The Test
Today, the Raiders will play their biggest game of the season. Doing it without their best offensive player will put the pressure squarely on Derek Carr. As Raiders fans know, he has never played in a playoff game, and it is beginning to feel as if he is playing his final games as a Raider. He can reverse this trend with a good performance without his star tight end. On defense, the Raiders have a much better projection. The Cleveland offense has struggled recently and could be without many starters, including Mayfield and Jarvis Landry. On Monday afternoon, both teams’ resolve will be put to the test.
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*Top Photo: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images