CLEVELAND — Battling an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is cleared to play Sunday and will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers, coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday afternoon.
Stefanski told reporters that Mayfield is functionally “100%” after missing last Thursday’s game against the Broncos. Mayfield has been hampered by the injury for several weeks.
“It is pretty simple. It is really medically he is ready to go,” Stefanski said. “Our doctors, our trainers and the second opinions felt very comfortable about that, and Baker feels that he is ready and he feels like he is ready to help this team win.”
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said that the velocity from Mayfield’s passes is the same as usual despite wearing a harness. But Van Pelt acknowledged that backup Case Keenum, who started in the Browns’ win over the Broncos, has gotten more snaps than usual during practice this week.
“He is mentally as tough as anyone I have been around,” Van Pelt said about Mayfield. “He takes everything seriously. I do not know if I have seen him jovial, but that is Baker, and I love his attitude.”
For the first time this season, the Browns could see Mayfiend and receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry at the same time.
“We are excited to see all of our guys out there,” Stefanski said. “Whenever guys are battling through injuries, I see the hard work that they put in the training room, in the weight room and obviously in the meeting room so we want those guys out there together all of the time.”
The Browns were also without top running back Nick Chubb last week. While his participation has been limited in practice, he is expected to play on Sunday.
