Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear despite a 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that Baker Mayfield remains his starting quarterback, assuming he’s healthy.
Battling a rib injury that limited him in practice all week, Mayfield struggled Sunday, throwing a pick-six on Cleveland’s third offensive snap, setting the tone for the Pittsburgh rout.
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Taking multiple big shots from the Steelers, Mayfield was especially inefficient on third down and while facing the blitz. On third downs, he went just 2-of-7 passing for 5 yards with a sack and two picks; when facing the blitz, Mayfield completed 2 of 6 passes for only 11 yards with an interception and three sacks.
Stefanski finally replaced Mayfield late in the third quarter with backup Case Keenum, but attributed the move to the 24-point deficit and to Mayfield’s ailing ribs.
“I didn’t want to see him get hit one more time,” said Stefanski, who shouldered much of the blame for Mayfield’s ineffective performance. “I know this, I didn’t do a good enough job allowing him to be put in [successful] positions. I have to do way better. I can’t let him get hit like that.”
Mayfield now has 11 career game with multiple interceptions. Only
Cleveland wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. tested negative for COVID-19 again, which cleared the way for him to reenter the Browns’ practice facility Saturday and play Sunday in Pittsburgh, a source told ESPN.
Beckham was sent home Thursday with an unknown illness and was away from the team Friday as well, despite repeatedly testing negative for COVID-19.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday that Beckham was feeling better and had been participating in all meetings remotely since falling ill. Stefanski said the Browns planned to have individual meetings with Beckham on Saturday to get him up to speed on the game plan for the Steelers.
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-0) will be without two starters, receiver Diontae Johnson (back) and veteran right guard David DeCastro for Sunday’s AFC North game against the Cleveland Browns (4-1).
With Johnson out, rookie Chase Claypool, who scored four touchdowns against the Eagles, is slotted for an increased role — as has been the case after Johnson’s back injury and earlier concussion. In Johnson’s absence a week ago, Claypool caught three touchdown passes and rushed for another score, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to do so.
