Browns Quarterback Shuffle: Mayfield Injured, Out

CLEVELAND — After much discussion and concern, the decision is in — Baker Mayfield will not start Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos.

Instead, Mayfield's backup, Case Keenum, will lead the Browns onto the gridiron, the Cleveland Browns announced Wednesday.

Mayfield has been battling a dislocated shoulder in his non-throwing arm. Earlier this week, Mayfield said the decision on whether or not he would play Thursday was down to him, though the team has since issued a statement indicating they decided not to play the injured quarterback.

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This will be Keenum's first start for the Cleveland Browns. He started eight games for the Washington Football Team in 2020. He previously started for the Minnesota Vikings, where Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski once tutored quarterbacks.

"Case Keenum will be our starter tomorrow night and we have full confidence in him to lead us and do the things necessary to put us in position to win," 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."