The Cleveland Browns will face the Denver Broncos on Thursday night without their starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Instead of Mayfield, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, the Browns’ offense will be led by veteran Case Keenum.
The Browns made this decision after Mayfield practiced in a limited capacity in recent days. The 26-year-old initially got hurt in Week 2 against the Houston Texans but has continued to play through the injury since.
Reportedly, Cleveland hopes the added rest will allow Mayfield to continue playing this season and avoid the surgery. While he was officially diagnosed with a torn labrum, he didn’t have to undergo a procedure since it’s his left, non-throwing shoulder.
The game against the Broncos will be the first Mayfield misses in his NFL career since being named the starter in Week 3 of his rookie year.
For Case Keenum, on the other hand, this will be the first start since the 2019 season and first in Cleveland Browns’ uniform. Keenum signed with the Browns on a three-year, $18 million deal in 2020. The 33-year-old since attempted 13 passes in four relief appearances, throwing for 52 yards.
Keenum, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Broncos, among other teams, has 14,420 passing yards and 75 passing touchdowns in his NFL career.
