QB Mayfield expects to play vs. Broncos

Baker Mayfield wants to tough it out.

The Browns quarterback said he expects to play Thursday night against the Broncos despite a painful left shoulder injury that has worsened since he hurt it a month ago while trying to make a tackle.

Mayfield re-injured his non-throwing shoulder Sunday.

Before Tuesday’s practice, Mayfield said that the decision on whether he plays will come down to being able to perform at his best. He’s planning to test his pain tolerance with hard throws.

Case Keenum is the Browns’ backup and the 33-year-old veteran, who has 62 career NFL starts, will play if Mayfield feels he can’t go.

The Browns will be without running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who are dealing with calf injuries.

Colleges: The American Athletic Conference received applications from Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, North Texas, UTSA, Rice,

UAB to join the conference, ESPN reported. The AAC’s desire to expand comes after Cincinnati, UCF and Houston decided this year to eventually join the Big 12. UConn left after the 2019 season.

NHL: Jets captain Blake Wheeler will miss at least four games after testing positive for COVID-19. Wheeler, 35, who like all of his teammates is vaccinated, has symptoms. He must isolate from the team for at least 10 days and will need a doctor’s approval to return once symptoms are gone.

Soccer: Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool took advantage of Antoine Griezmann’s red card to beat host Atlético Madrid 3-2 and stay perfect after three matches in Champions League group play. Griezmann had two goals before being sent off early in the second half. Liverpool leads Group B with nine points . ... Lionel Messi had a pair of goals to help Paris Saint-Germain rally past visitor RB Leipzig 3-2. PSG leads Group A with seven points.