Mayfield’s status uncertain for game against Pittsburgh

BEREA — Baker Mayfield isn’t healthy enough to practice, and he may not be much closer to playing either.

The Browns’ quarterback sat out Monday’s workout because of a troubling shoulder injury and there are early signs pointing to Mayfield missing this week’s home game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mayfield’s dealing with a torn labrum and fracture in his non-throwing shoulder and was inactive Thursday night, when the Browns started backup QB Case Keenum and beat the Denver Broncos.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t provide much of an update on Mayfield’s condition or status other than to say “he’s feeling better” after sitting Thursday and following a long weekend to rest.

Stefanski would not comment on if the Browns are considering a move to injured reserve for Mayfield. If he’s placed on IR, Mayfield would have to miss at least three games.

Stefanski has not yet ruled out Mayfield for the Steelers (3-3), who are coming off their bye week. He added that facing Pittsburgh and its solid defense, led by star linebacker and sack specialist T.J. Watt, will have no bearing on whether Mayfield plays.

“We will just defer to the medical staff,” Stefanski said.

Last week, an MRI revealed the fracture in Mayfield’s humerus bone — the long bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow — raising questions about whether he should be playing with the risk of doing more damage.

The 26-year-old had already been dealing with the labrum tear and fraying, which has caused severe pain and swelling and forced him wear a stabilizing harness. Mayfield will almost certainly have offseason surgery to address the injury.

Mayfield had insisted last week he wouldn’t miss any games, but a lack of mobility in his arm convinced him to end his streak of 53 consecutive starts.

With the shortened week, there wasn’t time for Mayfield to get ready for the Broncos. Now the Browns may take a cautious approach and have him sit again to see if added treatment and rest will make things better.

Stefanski sidestepped a question about whether another week off would benefit Mayfield.

“I would probably be speaking out of turn if I spoke to that,” Stefanski said. “That is really a medical type of thing. I would just tell you, I am listening to all of the people that have the degrees, and we will go with what they tell us.”

Stefanski wasn’t sure if he would know by Wednesday’s practice whether Mayfield can return.