Is Baker Mayfield starting vs. Steelers? Update on Browns QB’s status entering Week 8

Baker Mayfield is slated to make his return from injury on Sunday against the Steelers. 

Mayfield received medical clearance on Tuesday night, according to Ian Rapoport. The Browns’ quarterback reportedly gained his strength back and has full range of motion in his shoulder ahead of the medical decision. 

Following practice on Friday, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Mayfield will start for the Browns’ Week 8 matchup.  

The 26-year-old quarterback initially dislocated his non-throwing shoulder during the Browns’ 31-21 victory over the Texans in Week 2. After he landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the 37-14 loss to the Cardinals, Mayfield’s injury was determined as a torn labrum and shoulder fracture. Despite his intentions to start in Week 7, he couldn’t get medical clearance.  

Mayfield was limited at practice going into the Week 8 matchup. He took part in drills throughout the week and made his first appearance back in shoulder pads on Wednesday. He was also fitted with a stabilizing harness to prevent his shoulder from popping out. 

Browns’ backup quarterback Case Keenum led the Browns to a 17-14 victory against the Broncos in Week 7 and ended Mayfield’s streak of 53 consecutive starts. 

Although he is still on the road to recovery with his shoulder, the Mayfield will lead the Browns against the Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday. He completed 116 passes for 1,474 passing yards with six touchdowns through five starts. He’s tied Tom Brady, Josh Allen, and Jamies Winston with three interceptions this season. 

Mayfield has a passer rating of 80.4 with 884 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions throughout the five times he faced the Steelers in his career, according to Statmuse. While Odell Beckham Jr. is currently listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, he will likely battle through and start at wide receiver.  

Running back Nick Chubb is making his return from a calf injury and is expected to be one of Mayfield’s comfortable options. D’Ernest Johnson, who rushed for 146 yards and earned a touchdown against the Broncos last week, is also expected to dominate the Browns’ running game. 

The Browns are scheduled to host the Steelers from FirstEnergy Stadium on Halloween at 1 p.m. ET.