Browns QB Baker Mayfield to play through foot issue

Without Odell Beckham Jr. in the lineup, Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 14-of-21 passes for 218 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in last Sunday's dominant 41-16 win at the Cincinnati Bengals that improved the Browns to 5-4 on the season. 

As Nate Ulrich noted for the Akron Beacon Journal, though, Mayfield was seen carrying a limp in Cincinnati, and he was listed on the injury report Wednesday with a sore foot. Cleveland fans shouldn't be too concerned, however, as offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters Thursday Mayfield is on track to start Sunday's matchup at the 5-4 New England Patriots. 

"I wouldn't expect Bake to miss anytime as it pertains to the game," Van Pelt explained. "I know he's a tough guy. He's already played through a lot worse than this, and I think he'll be fine. Just got to find a way to get him through practice this week." 

Mayfield is currently dealing with a torn labrum and also a fractured bone at the top of the humerus of his non-throwing shoulder, a setback that somehow only cost him one game last month. The 26-year-old said on Wednesday the foot issue was "nothing major," and he threw during the portion of Thursday's practice open to media members while wearing tape over his left cleat. 

The Browns may not yet be ready to pay Mayfield on a long-term basis, but nobody can doubt his willingness to sacrifice his health for the cause.