Browns QB Baker Mayfield has a partially-torn labrum

After shaky performance against the Vikings this past Sunday, it’s come to light that Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing through a partially-torn labrum.

On Thursday morning, it was reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport that Mayfield sustained the injury during the Browns’ game against the Texans on September 19. The injury is apparently not serious enough to require surgery and Mayfield plans to continue playing through the ailment with the use of a shoulder harness.

Through four weeks, Mayfield has completed 74-of-113 passes for 935 yards with just two touchdowns to two interceptions. Against the Vikings, he completed less than half of his passes (15-of-33) with no touchdowns or picks. Whether or not this down performance was due to the Vikings’ defense or his lingering shoulder injury, the Browns counteracted the lack of a passing game by running the football 38 times for a combined 184 yards (4.8 YPC) and one touchdown.

More than likely, they will attempt to replicate that same game plan against the Chargers. With the Bolts near the bottom in run defense (29th), you’d have to expect it.

However, I’d look for the Chargers to continue what they’ve been doing on defense, as well. In a recent press conference, Joey Bosa noted that he believes they’re a much better team against the run than their recent performances have shown. Against the NFL’s leader in rushing yards, I truly hope that’s the case.