I have a problem.
At night, my shoulder has the tendency to pop out and I have to get it popped back in after x-rays by a doctor. It’s a very painful process, honestly.
Why am I sharing this with you all?
Well, my pal QB Baker Mayfield is dealing with some shoulder issues of his own. Yes, the Browns fans I’ve run into with my sling on have noted that I am, “Like Baker Mayfield.” Yeah, I wish…
So, this was a tweet via reporter Ian Rappaport:
“QB Baker Mayfield received medical clearance last night to play and is expected to start Sunday, despite a torn left labrum & shoulder fracture. With full range of motion in his shoulder & his strength back, the medical decision was made. The fracture is healing.”
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Look, I am happy Baker is starting on Sunday. I felt like QB Case Keenum did a solid job, but Baker is the starter and the franchise quarterback. I don’t want this to be a Baker-reject piece by any means. However, this is my question…
What doctor or medical professional approves a person to play such a violent sport as football with a torn left labrum & shoulder fracture?
I feel tons of pain reaching for a coffee pod…I couldn’t even imagine the amount of pain one single hit to the quarterback could cause. Additionally, the damage to his shoulder and more. Certainly, the Steelers are going to be gunning for him with a profound intensity.
Now, in a perfect world, Baker takes absolutely no hits from any of the Steelers. The Browns offensive line does a great job in protection and the team wins against the Steelers by a lot.
However, what if Baker takes a few shots and it does damage worse than what he already has right now?
Let’s play a game of would you rather!
Would you rather play QB Case Keenum for 4-5 more weeks at quarterback, yet have Baker 100% ready for the potential playoff run late in the season?
Or…
Stick Baker in the game against the Steelers with him trying to be the “tough guy.” Risk potential injury that could result in season-ending injury by a huge hit from a defensive tackle going for the kill-shot.
The hardest part, and I said this in a previous article, is that we don’t have a “Doc” or “Marty McFly” to predict the future results of the game. Injury or not? Good play or not? Win with Baker? Win with Keenum?
We. Don’t. Know.
The Browns are going with Baker Mayfield and it’s a huge risk. I wish the starting quarterback the best of luck and to stay safe out there on Sunday against the Steelers.
Most importantly: WIN!