Browns’ Mayfield will start against Steelers
Baker Mayfield’s back in the saddle — and huddle.
The Browns’ quarterback will start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, returning after missing one game because of an injured left shoulder that will require management for the rest of this season.
Mayfield, who has a torn labrum and fracture in his non-throwing shoulder, practiced for the third straight day on Friday. Coach Kevin Stefanski announced afterward that the 26-year-old will be back in the lineup.
“Medically, he’s ready to go,” Stefanski said. “Our doctors, our trainers, the second opinions felt very comfortable about that and Baker, he feels that he’s ready and he feels like he’s ready to help this team win.”
Mayfield didn’t play last week — ending his streak of 53 consecutive starts — in a win over Denver. The rest improved Mayfield’s range of motion and reduced inflammation, allowing him to strengthen his shoulder.
Mayfield has been fitted with a new stabilizing harness to help prevent his shoulder from popping out. Stefanski said he didn’t see any issues with Mayfield’s throwing mechanics this week.
Mayfield first injured his shoulder while trying to make a tackle last month against Houston. He then suffered a tuberosity fracture when he bent his arm back trying to protect his fall against Arizona on Oct. 17.
MORE INJURIES FOR PACKERS >> One day after the Green Bay Packers withstood numerous absences to beat the NFL’s lone remaining unbeaten team came the sobering realization they’ve lost two more players for the rest of the season.
Tight end Robert Tonyan and rookie kick returner Kylin Hill both suffered knee injuries in the Packers’ 24-21 victory at Arizona on Thursday night.
“I feel awful for both those guys,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Friday. “They put a lot into this thing. They’re tough guys to replace.”
The injury to Tonyan, who caught 11 touchdown passes last season, will put more of a burden on tight ends Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara and Dominique Dafney. Wide receiver Malik Taylor was Green Bay’s deep man for kickoff returns after Hill’s injury. FLACCO READY FOR RETURN TO JETS >> Joe Flacco is back with the New York Jets, and he envisions himself back under center as their starting quarterback soon.
The 36-year-old veteran was acquired Monday from Philadelphia for a conditional sixth-round draft pick after the Jets needed help in the huddle with rookie starter Zach Wilson out for a few weeks with a sprained knee ligament.
Mike White will make his first career start in Wilson’s place Sunday against Cincinnati. With Flacco just joining the team Friday, he’ll be inactive for the game with 35-year-old backup Josh Johnson elevated from the practice squad.
COWBOYS’ QB QUESTIONABLE
WITH LINGERING CALF INJURY >> Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to his troublesome calf injury.
The Cowboys would like to decide Saturday but are willing to wait until Sunday before determining whether or not Prescott will play.
If Prescott sits out, Cooper Rush will make his first NFL start. He has thrown three career passes.