Browns OC Alex Van Pelt expects QB Baker Mayfield to play vs. Lions

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/18/21

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield admitted Wednesday he is "probably the most beat up" he's been during his career as he attempts to play through a trio of injury setbacks but added he has every intention of starting when the 5-5 Browns host the 0-8-1 Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Mayfield missed Wednesday's practice, but Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt suggested Thursday the QB will be good to go even before the weekend.

Mayfield has been dealing with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder he first suffered on Sept. 19 that ultimately turned into a torn labrum and fractured bone at the top of the humerus. He is now carrying newer foot and knee issues into the Detroit contest.

Backup Case Keenum filled in for Mayfield in last Sunday's blowout loss at the New England Patriots and is available to once again take over at the flip of a figurative switch. Per ESPN stats, Mayfield is currently 17th among eligible signal-callers with a 95.7 passer rating, 25th with a 42.9 total QBR and 22nd with 1,990 passing yards on the season. He has nine touchdown throws and four interceptions.

As for the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff is considered day-to-day with an oblique injury and missed practice for the second straight outing, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Tim Boyle is taking first-team reps in Goff's absence.

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