Browns’ Mayfield isn’t the starter yet
The beer-fueled bash spilled into the streets around First-Energy Stadium as delirious Browns fans walked — some staggered — while chanting for their new hero, the streak buster.
“Ba-ker May-field,” they screamed.
They’ve named their new starting quarterback. Coach Hue Jackson isn’t quite there yet.
Jackson said he isn’t ready to “officially” identify his starter for next weekend’s game in Oakland, but all signs point to Mayfield taking over in Cleveland following his dazzling NFL debut on Thursday night.
The No. 1 pick in this year’s draft replaced concussed starter Tyrod Taylor late in the first half and led the Browns (1-1-1) on four scoring drives as they erased a two-touchdown deficit to beat the New York Jets 21-17 and end Cleveland’s 19-game winless streak — the NFL’s second longest since 1970.
Jackson seems to only be delaying the inevitable: Mayfield’s the guy. Although Jackson wouldn’t publicly say Mayfield is his starter, he gave strong indication he’s leaning that way by telling reporters on a conference call, “I think that you guys all feel good about where things are headed.”
Out of respect for Taylor, who is in concussion protocol with his third head injury in 13 months, Jackson wants to tell his two quarterbacks his decision in person Monday before sharing it with the world.
Eagles’ ground woes: Carson Wentz returns as quarterback for Philadelphia for the first time since knee surgery, but the Eagles won’t have running backs Jay Ajayi (back) and Darren Sproles (hamstring) for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis.
Wendell Smallwood is Philadelphia’s only experienced healthy running back. Rookie Josh Adams was promoted from the practice squad earlier in the week.
Cowboys’ injuries: Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins has been ruled out of Sunday’s game at Seattle with a knee injury, but pass rusher Randy Gregory is set to return after missing a week with a concussion.
Safety Xavier Woods (hamstring) could make his season debut, but four-time Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick will miss his third straight game with a nerve disorder that has sidelined him indefinitely.
Briefly: The Panthers placed starting safety Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve after he suffered his second concussion in five weeks . ... The Titans still don’t know who will start at quarterback Sunday against the Jaguars. Marcus Mariota was limited all week with an arm injury and is questionable for the second straight game. Blaine Gabbert started Sunday in place of Mariota in Tennessee’s 20-17 victory over the Houston Texans.