Baker Mayfield to start for Browns vs. Steelers despite shoulder injury
Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Baker Mayfield was limited in practice earlier this week because of the injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder that includes a torn labrum and also a fractured bone at the top of the humerus. The injury kept him sidelined for the 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Oct. 21.
Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt teased on Thursday that Mayfield could get the start for the 4-3 Browns against the 3-3 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Friday afternoon Mayfield is his starting QB heading into the weekend.
The news isn't all that surprising considering Mayfield suggested on multiple occasions he wanted to return to the lineup as soon as possible despite the fact he first hurt his shoulder all the way back in Week 2 and reinjured it in the 37-14 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 17.
Backup Case Keenum filled in for Mayfield versus the Broncos and completed 21-of-33 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown and zero interceptions.
It's widely believed Mayfield will require surgery to repair his injury at some point down the road, but the 26-year-old intends on playing through the discomfort with the Browns in the playoff hunt heading into Halloween afternoon.
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