Baker Mayfield Hoping For Week 8 Return Against Steelers

Baker Mayfield hopes to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and it seems he may get the chance.

The Browns listed Mayfield as QB1 on the unofficial depth chart for the Week 8 game Sunday against the Steelers.

Unofficial depth chart for the Browns' Week 8 game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mayfield sat out Sunday’s 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos and Monday’s practice with his left shoulder injury but still wants to play Sunday, Cleveland.com also reports.

Mayfield tore the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder and has since learned he has a fractured humerus bone, believed to be in the ball that sits in the socket, as well. Cleveland.com reports his injuries will not require surgery.

Although the fracture — that occurred during the 37-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 17 — is expected to heal on its own, it won't be healed by Sunday. Still, Cleveland.com reports the shoulder might be stable enough for Mayfield to play.

The newspaper reports Mayfield must show that he has sufficient strength in the shoulder and that the swelling has subsided enough for him to wear the harness tightly. Cleveland.com reports playing isn't likely to risk his career because it is his nonthrowing shoulder.

Mayfield might return to practice Wednesday on a limited basis but still has Thursday and Friday if not.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he doesn’t plan to prepare differently for Mayfield or backup QB Case Keenum, who earned a 90.3 rating against the Denver Broncos in his first start for Cleveland.

“That’s what really stood out to me watching their last game," Tomlin said ahead of Week 8's game. “They didn’t lose their personality at all. A solid veteran quarterback who’s been a part of the program like Case has provided that opportunity for them. We’re not overly concerned right now with who their quarterback might be. We’re looking at what it is they do collectively, their run game, their coordinated play-action and misdirection passing game, and how to utilize all the people that they distribute the ball to.”

The Browns face the Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday with kickoff slated for 1 p.m.

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