NFL

Browns quarterback Mayfield out of Broncos clash

By Sports Desk October 20, 2021

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been ruled out of their clash with the Denver Broncos.

Mayfield is dealing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder but had previously insisted he would be fine for the visit of the Broncos.

However, his streak of 51 consecutive starts will come to an end as the Browns look to improve to 4-3 on the season.

Instead, Case Keenum will get the start under center.

"We have full confidence in him [Keenum] to lead us and do the things necessary to put us in position to win," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said.

"Baker fought really hard to play, he's a competitor and obviously wants to be out there but just couldn't make it on a short week.

"We know he will continue to do everything in his power to return as quickly as possible."

In addition to Mayfield, the Browns will be without both of their starting running backs.

Nick Chubb will miss his second successive game because of a calf injury, with Kareem Hunt having been placed on injured reserve with a similar issue.

The Browns could again be minus both of their starting offensive tackles, Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills, while wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. sat out Tuesday's practice because of a shoulder issue.

Having dropped successive games to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Arizona Cardinals, the deck could be stacked against Keenum in his bid to help the Browns avoid another damaging defeat.

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