Browns HC won't say if Baker Mayfield will play vs. Steelers

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns' Kevin Stefanski won't say if QB Baker Mayfield will play vs. Steelers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/22/21

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Denver Broncos 17-14 at home Thursday night and did so with backup quarterback Case Keenum starting in place of the injured Baker Mayfield, who was known to have a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury that included a "completely torn" labrum and that will require surgery at some point down the road.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer delivered somewhat of a stunner right before kickoff of Thursday's contest, however, when he announced Mayfield also has a fractured bone:

#ICYMI my report about Baker Mayfield’s injury on @nflonfox.

Actual fracture according to Baker is called tuberosity, which is top of humerus. Once that heals he can come back, he’s hoping he’s back for their next game.#TNF #ClevelandBrowns pic.twitter.com/4dddZ5ONdi
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 22, 2021

Mayfield reiterated to Glazer he wants to return to the lineup as soon as possible, ideally for the home game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Halloween afternoon, but head coach Kevin Stefanski was non-committal about his QB1's status for that matchup while speaking with reporters Friday:

#Browns Stefanski declined to handicap Baker Mayfield’s chances of facing the #Steelers even though he aims to play: “continue to listen to medical staff”
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 22, 2021

#Browns Kevin Stefanski will rely on the medical staff in regards to Baker Mayfield’s left shoulder injury pic.twitter.com/wsSfQG3JGf
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 22, 2021

Keenum performed admirably on a windy and cool Cleveland night, as he completed 21-of-33 passes for 199 yards, a touchdown, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 90.3. As of now, he will be on track to take first-team reps in practice sessions next week following a well-earned weekend off.

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