Baker Mayfield to start vs. Steelers despite shoulder injury

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield to start for Browns vs. Steelers despite shoulder injury

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/29/21

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.

#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on how Baker Mayfield has thrown the ball this week with injured shoulder and new harness: “Functionally he’s 100%.”
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) October 29, 2021

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.

#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on QB Baker Mayfield: "Medically he's ready to go."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 29, 2021

I'm not sure how we got from Baker needing the fractured bone in his shoulder to heal to him playing again in eight days, but here we are.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) October 29, 2021

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