Report: Baker Mayfield dealing with “painful” bruised ribs

Baker Mayfield dealing with ‘painful’ ribs

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will start on Sunday versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, is dealing with painful bruised ribs, according to ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler.

According to Fowler, in an ideal world, Mayfield would rest this week and backup Case Keenum would get the starting nod. In fact, Keenum —who Stefanski really trusts—took some first-team reps at practice this week as a safety net in case Mayfield’s ribs become an issue versus the Steelers.

But as Mayfield boldly repeated after last Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, “Mama ain’t raise no wuss.”

Throughout the week, Mayfield was adamant that he was going to play versus Pittsburgh. He kept a day-to-day approach when he met with the media, and was limited throwing the ball during practice.

Last season, when Mayfield was getting sacked often, he oftentimes sported a flak jacket underneath his jersey. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was unsure if the jacket would make its 2020 debut, but noted that Mayfield was certainly sore.

Mayfield faces the vicious front-four of the Steelers. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that Pittsburgh’s defense is focused on forcing Mayfield to make throws from the pocket and that the Steelers blitz will be on full throttle. Of note, the Browns will be without their starting right guard Wyatt Teller who was ruled out with a calf strain.

Beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road is a feat the Browns have been unable to accomplish since 2003. On Sunday, Mayfield and his sore set of ribs will attempt to snap that losing streak.