(Photo by David Richard/AP Photo)
The short-handed Cleveland Browns lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 16-14 after Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hit a 48-yard field goal as time expired.
The Browns’ recent COVID-19 outbreak prompted the NFL to postpone its game against the Raiders to Monday. It also caused 22 players to miss the game, including starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, starting wide receiver Jarvis Landry, and starting left tackle Jedrick Wills. Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer took over as acting Head Coach for Kevin Stefanski who also tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the game.
Browns’ running back Nick Chubb had 23 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Third-string quarterback Nick Mullens completed 20 of 30 passes for 147 yards. He led a 16-play, 90-yard drive that lasted eight minutes and 22 seconds that resulted in a touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant to give the Browns a 14-13 lead with 3:54 left in the game.
The Browns’ defense forced an interception on the next drive, but the offense had to punt after going three-and-out. After that the defense was unable to stop the Raiders’ final drive led by quarterback Derek Carr that led to Carlson’s game-winning field goal.
At 7-7, the Browns are now in fourth place in the AFC North, but one game back of the Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) for first, and are among twelve teams in the AFC with seven wins. The Browns are scheduled to play on the road against the Green Bay Packers (11-3) on Christmas Day at 4:30 PM.