Browns active QB Baker Mayifeld off reserve/COVID-19 list for Packers matchup

With three weeks left in the regular season, the Cleveland Browns are eyeing a push toward a second straight playoff berth.

The uphill battle ahead became a little less difficult as quarterback Baker Mayfield was activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list days before Saturday’s pivotal matchup against the Green Bay Packers, according to ESPN.

Mayfield has been trekking through a tough campaign as he’s struggled to find consistency with his performance while dealing with significant injuries. The Browns have gone the same path as their quarterback with no significant traction at any point in 2021.

Cleveland holds a 4-4 record over the last eight games but remain in possible contention for the AFC North division as the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens sit tied atop at an 8-6 record.

The Browns need Mayfield to provide stable play against the Packers as he’s failed to break 200 passing yards in three out of his last four games. Meanwhile, he’s thrown five touchdowns to four interceptions over that span.

He ranks 24th with 2,603 passing yards, 25th with 13 touchdown passes, and 25th with a 38.7 quarterback rating.

Cleveland has leaned heavily on their running game as the guiding factor as star running back Nick Chubb has been the offensive workhorse behind his 1,017 rushing yards, which ranks fourth-most in the league.

The Browns are currently sitting just outside the playoff picture, as they are 12th overall in the AFC, with the Buffalo Bills holding the final wildcard spot at an 8-6 record.

Cleveland is trailing Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins for that last postseason spot.