AFC Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

Many in the Browns’ organization believe that QB Baker Mayfield is the team’s franchise quarterback even after the team lost to the Steelers, including WR Jarvis Landry.

“He just stuck to the script,’’ Landry said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “He understood that regardless of what was happening, wins or losses, that it also reflects on him and how he plays. He’s been one of the hardest workers since I’ve gotten here. He’s not content with what he’s done in the past or anything like that. That’s always something that’s encouraging to see from a guy who’s had success and is still on the younger side of players and quarterbacks in this league.”

• Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said RG Wyatt Teller is still “right on track” to be activated from the COVID-19 list in time for Week 14’s game. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Stefanski said he’s unsure when Browns TE Austin Hooper sustained his neck injury, but they will monitor him over the next “24-48 hours.” (Scott Petrak)
• OUT for Week 14: CB Denzel Ward (calf), WR KhaDarel Hodge (hamstring).
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 14: TE Austin Hooper (neck).

Ravens

• According to Tom Pelissero, Ravens WR Dez Bryant‘s COVID-19 test result ahead of Week 13’s game against the Cowboys came back inconclusive a second time after being re-run, which meant there were “warning signs” about his possible infection. 
• After undergoing another test with a “much more accurate” machine, Bryant’s COVID-19 results then came back positive. 
• Pelissero also reports that another “star player” in the league had the same experience, where he had an inconclusive test result and wound up on the COVID-19 list after being held out a week. 
• Pelissero adds that the Ravens have advised Bryant to stop tweeting about the issue. 
• Ravens HC John Harbaugh said Bryant had “some negative tests” but they are following along with NFL protocol: “He has had some negative tests. There’s a protocol that goes along with that.” (Jeff Zrebiec)

Steelers

• Brooke Pryor reports that Steelers’ LB Avery Williamson will have an expanded role against the Buffalo Bills after LB Vince Williams was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.
• Pryor also notes that Williamson struggled heavily in pass coverage with the Jets and allowed 24 of 25 completions, the most of any linebacker prior to his trade to Pittsburgh. 
• The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in former Jaguars’ LB Donald Payne for a tryout on Thursday, according to Albert Breer.