Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield said Wednesday that his injured shoulder could be healed enough in time for him to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Mayfield has a fracture in his left (non-throwing) shoulder in addition to the previously reported torn labrum.
He was inactive for last Thursday’s 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos, with veteran Case Keenum getting the start in his place. It was Keenum’s first start since 2019, when he played for Washington.
Mayfield said the time off has helped the shoulder heal.
“It definitely (helped). A noticeable difference in range of motion and strength,” said Mayfield before Wednesday’s practice, per ESPN. “Trying to get that strength back and be able to go as close to a 100 percent as possible. But if that’s not the case, then we trust the guys we have out there.”
NFL Network previously reported that Mayfield is expected to have surgery on the shoulder, though he hoped to hold off on that until after the season.
Mayfield was first hurt in Week 2, and he aggravated the injury in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 17.
Mayfield, 26, played all but four snaps in the 37-14 loss to the Cardinals. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 234 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
On the season, he has completed 116 of 173 passes (67.1 percent) for 1,474 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
–Field Level Media