Despite dealing with a ribs injury suffered a week ago, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was able to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
He wasn't, however, able to finish.
With his team trailing 31-7, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski made the decision to sit Mayfield in favor of veteran backup Case Keenum for the remainder of the game. It remains unclear whether the move was made because of Mayfield's ineffectiveness, his injury or the reality that Cleveland is unlikely to overcome its 24-point deficit in just one quarter.
After suffering a ribs injury on a hit by defensive end Justin Houston in the Browns' 32-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, Mayfield was limited in practice throughout the week and officially entered Sunday's matchup with Pittsburgh listed as questionable. After ultimately playing, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft got off to a rocky start, throwing two first-half interceptions against the Steelers, including a pick-6 to safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Although Mayfield eventually settled and even threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rashard Higgins toward the end of the first half, the Browns were unable to carry any of that momentum into the second half. Earlier this year, Cleveland signed Keenum to a 3-year, $15 million contract as the veteran signal-caller possesses a history of playing under Stefanski during their time together with the Minnesota Vikings.
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