CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
In what has seemingly become a weekly occurrence, Baker Mayfield was asked about the status of his health following the Cleveland Browns' 24-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
But while the Browns quarterback's answers on the subject have often varied, his response on Sunday was perhaps the most encouraging one he's had to this point in the season.
"This is the best I’ve felt since Week 2," Mayfield said emphatically.
That's not a random distinction the fourth-year signal-caller is making.
After all, it was the second week of the 2021 season that Mayfield suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder attempting to make a tackle after throwing an interception in Cleveland's win over the Houston Texans. The No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft would go on to reaggravate the injury and suffer a fractured bone in his left shoulder and will ultimately need offseason surgery to fully heal.
While Mayfield has ultimately only missed one start this season due to the injury, his play has been inconsistent as he's also dealt with injuries to his knee, heel and groin. In Sunday's win over the Ravens -- which followed a Week 13 bye -- the 26-year-old completed 22 of his 32 pass attempts for 190 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
But while his stat line might have left something to be desired, ultimately, Mayfield played well enough for Cleveland to win with the Browns (7-6) now sitting one game behind the Ravens (8-5) for first place in the AFC North. More than that, it appears the Oklahoma product's health only appears to have improved heading into a crucial four-game stretch that includes three games against opponents in the AFC playoff picture, including two division opponents who remain in the mix of the AFC North.