Report: Browns QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) needs surgery, will try to play through injury

The news gets more concerning regarding the health of Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. 

Mayfield was ruled out of Thursday's prime-time game against the Denver Broncos after he re-injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder that he first hurt in Week 2, an issue he admitted on Tuesday is a "completely torn" labrum. 

The first-overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft is reportedly attempting to recover enough to return to the lineup for the Week 8 home matchup against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Halloween, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Kevin Patra) reported Thursday that Mayfield "is expected to require surgery" to repair the setback at some point. As things stand today, however, the 26-year-old theoretically can play through the injury if he can manage the pain. 

Backup Case Keenum is starting in place of Mayfield against Denver, and it's unclear if Keenum's performance will affect what Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski decides to do with his QB1 position heading into the Pittsburgh contest. 

Per Andrew Gribble of the Browns' website, Cleveland elevated Nick Mullens from the practice squad to serve as Keenum's backup versus Denver, but the organization could call a free agent such as the newly-vaccinated Cam Newton, who remains available after the Seattle Seahawks passed on signing him, if it's determined Mayfield cannot or should not play in any game following the final day of October.