Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb to start vs. Lions

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb Jeff Lange via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Browns QB Baker Mayfield, RB Nick Chubb to start vs. Lions

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/19/21

For better or for worse, the Cleveland Browns will have their "beat up" starting quarterback in the lineup for Sunday's home game against the winless Detroit Lions.

Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Baker Mayfield will start on Sunday coming off Friday's practice. The news isn't surprising. Cleveland offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters Thursday he expected Mayfield would start despite the quarterback's multiple injury setbacks.

Mayfield first hurt his non-throwing shoulder back on Sept. 19 and, according to multiple reports, will eventually need surgery to repair his torn labrum and fractured bone at the top of the humerus. Recent foot and knee issues slowed him in last Sunday's blowout loss at the New England Patriots and could again be a problem ahead of Thanksgiving Day:

.@JeffTanchak19 told me rain all day Sunday, wet field. Van Pelt already said Baker’s mobility will be limited and they’ll call plays accordingly. https://t.co/MNAP69xKWM
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) November 19, 2021

Earlier on Friday, the Browns officially activated Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb and fellow ball-carrier Demetric Felton off the reserve/COVID-19 list after the pair missed the New England contest. Chubb, Cleveland's leading rusher with 721 yards and six touchdowns on 120 carries, will be in Mayfield's backfield beginning with Cleveland's first offensive possession.

The Browns are 5-5, while the Lions sit at 0-8-1.

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