QB Mayfield activated from COVID-19 list

Baker Mayfield moved a step closer to playing against Aaron Rodgers on Christmas as the Browns activated their quarterback from the COVID-19 reserve list Friday before leaving for Green Bay.

Mayfield has been out since testing positive on Dec. 15, one of a slew of virus cases the past two weeks for the Browns. He missed Monday’s game against the Raiders as the Browns started thirdstring QB Nick Mullens.

Mayfield hasn’t practiced in nearly two weeks, but coach Kevin Stefanski, who returned earlier this week after his second positive test in two seasons, said Thursday he anticipated Mayfield starting against the Packers (11-3) as the Browns (7-7) try to bolster their flimsy playoff chances.

The virus continued to wreak havoc across the league, forcing teams to make adjustments in the season’s final weeks. Colts All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and Jaguars pass rusher Josh Allen were the most notable new names to go on reserve/COVID19 lists that seem to change by the minute.

Mayfield won’t be cleared until Saturday, when his 10-day quarantine expires.

College football: Isaiah Bowser ran for 155 yards and two touchdowns, Ryan O’Keefe had 85 yards on seven receptions, and Central Florida earned Sunshine State bragging rights by beating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl on Thursday . ... The Hawaii Bowl was canceled Thursday after Hawaii withdrew from its game against Memphis on the eve of the contest because of COVID-19, season-ending injuries and transfers.

NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo could be returning to action for the Bucks just in time for Christmas, as he isn’t listed on the Bucks’ injury report for Saturday’s game. That doesn’t guarantee the two-time MVP will be be back on the court for the holiday matchup against the Celtics after spending time in the COVID-19 health and safety protocols.