Broncos vs. Browns Thursday Night Football: Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater Limited By Injuries

Both starting quarterbacks in the Week 7 “Thursday Night Football” matchup are dealing with injuries. Neither Baker Mayfield nor Teddy Bridgewater has been a full participant in practice in the days leading up to the game between the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns.

Mayfield had his left arm in a sling Sunday when speaking with reporters, shortly after Cleveland was trounced at home by the Arizona Cardinals. Mayfield aggravated the torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, which he suffered in Week 2. Mayfield hasn’t missed a game and finished the Week 6 contest, though his status for Thursday remains uncertain.

Mayfield said he intends to play Thursday as he waits for a second opinion on his injury. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski would not commit to naming a starting quarterback against the visiting Broncos.

Case Keenum will get the start if Mayfield is ruled out.

“Obviously if I was in a physical state where I wasn't able to play to the best of my abilities and I was hurting the team, I wouldn't do that because I care about winning,” Mayfield said via ESPN, which reported that Cleveland believes Mayfield won’t require season-ending surgery. “Only I know how my body feels. If anyone questions whether I'm hindering the team and going out there injured, that's just not right. It's my decision. I get to say whether I'm able to play or not, and that's just how it is.”

In a short week, Cleveland is dealing with several key injuries. Starting tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. both missed Sunday’s game, and it’s unclear if they’ll play Thursday. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are out. The status of receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is unknown after he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6.

The Browns have gone from 5.5-point favorites to being favored by just a field goal at home.

Bridgewater was a surprising addition to Denver’s injury report. The quarterback was limited in practice Monday and Tuesday because of a foot injury. Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told reporters that the quarterback is expected to play.

Bridgewater has started every game, though he exited Denver’s Week 4 loss against the Baltimore Ravens early with a concussion. Drew Lock went 12-21 for 113 yards, no touchdowns and an interception as Bridgewater’s replacement in the 23-7 loss.

Denver enters Thursday on a three-game losing streak. Bridgewater was picked off three times in Sunday’s 34-24 home loss against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos’ quarterback completed better than 76% of his passes with no interceptions as Denver started the season on a three-game winning streak.

Both the Broncos and Browns are 3-3.