CLEVELAND — For the first time this season, the NFL has seen its schedule affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). But when it comes to following the league's COVID-19 protocols, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield doesn't understand why they're difficult for some to follow.
"Not much is different for me. Still staying inside," Mayfield said. "Not going to restaurants too much. I stick to my business."
The No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft then added: "To me, it's not that damn hard. Just wear your mask. We all want to play football so everybody's got to do it and just do it."
Mayfield's comments come just days after the NFL was forced to shift its Week 4 schedule due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the Tennessee Titans roster. Instead of playing this past weekend, the Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers will now play each other in Week 7 with the Steelers' matchup with the Baltimore Ravens now shifted to Week 8 to accommodate the rescheduling.
Additionally, the Week 4 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots was moved from Sunday to Monday after Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for the coronavirus. On Wednesday, it was revealed that New England cornerback Stephon Gilmore -- who played against the Chiefs on Monday -- has also tested positive for the coronavirus, leaving the status of the Patriots' upcoming game vs. the Denver Broncos and potentially Kansas City's Week 5 matchup against the Raiders in question.
As a result of its recent issues, the NFL has implemented new COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, which could result in teams forfeiting games if they're unable to play. According to Mayfield, while those guidelines have increased the discussion regarding the virus among players, his mindset remains the same.
"There's definitely more of a topic of discussion about it, especially with the protocols being in place," he said. "It is what it is. We just have to deal with it and move on."
