Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski non-committal on Baker Mayfield playing in Week 8

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are going to square off for the first time in 2021 this Sunday in Week 8, and it is the first time they are meeting since the AFC Wild Card game at Heinz Field last season.

Entering the game Sunday, one of the biggest question marks is the health of several key Browns players. The biggest name most fans want to know is quarterback Baker Mayfield. Head coach Kevin Stefanski met with media briefly Tuesday, and when pressed about Mayfield’s availability, he was tight-lipped.

This from the SB Nation site, Dawgs By Nature:

So will Mayfield be able to practice this week? Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked that on Monday and he was very succinct in his answer, according to a team-provided transcript:

“We will see.”

So can Mayfield play against the Steelers if he does not practice all week, coach?

“We will see.”

Stefanski did say he is not ruling anyone out for Sunday’s game just yet, nor will he feel any pressure to name a quarterback until he sees how Mayfield is feeling and if he is able to practice.

If Mayfield can’t play, the job will fall upon Case Keenum’s shoulders for the second straight week. It was Keenum who got the Browns their fourth victory in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football when they defeated the Denver Broncos.

During Mike Tomlin’s Tuesday press conference, he was asked about the Browns’ quarterback situation, and if Baker Mayfield brings something different to the table compared to Keenum. As it turns out, Tomlin doesn’t see much of a difference.

“Not based on where I sit here today. Just specifically looking at the schematics and how they attacked and the things that they did a week ago, it was the Cleveland Browns. They just plugged in 5 [Case Keenum]. But that’s what a veteran quarterback provides you. He provides you an opportunity to maintain your personality. It appears that they’re capable and they have done that.”

Wednesday is the first reported practice for the upcoming AFC north game, and while the Steelers seem to be a very healthy team coming off the bye, all eyes will be on the Browns’ injury report.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Browns this Sunday in Week 8.