VIDEO: Baker Mayfield Exits Game Against Steelers After Smashing Hand on Defender's Helmet
By Michael Luciano
Freddie Kitchens might have just injured his starting quarterback while trying a desperation move with a one percent chance of actually succeeding. On a throw downfield late in the first half, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield injured his throwing hand and was forced to make way for backup and former AAF star Garrett Gilbert.
Baker Mayfield got injured, went to the locker room at the end of the half.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 1, 2019
Garrett Gilbert is at QB.pic.twitter.com/fE1gKwX3rb
Mayfield's throwing hand collided with the facemask of Steelers edge-rusher Bud Dupree. That injury is strikingly similar to how New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees injured himself in Week 2. The only difference is the Browns don't have Teddy Bridgewater.
Mayfield’s right hand (throwing hand) smashed into Bud Dupree’s face mask as the Browns were trying a desperation heave from inside their own 40
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 1, 2019
All the momentum the Browns might have picked up over the last month or so could go down the drain if Mayfield is injured. Gilbert is a fine backup, but Cleveland might as well be ruled out of the playoff chase if Baker is unable to go for the rest of the game and beyond.