Report: Baker Mayfield has a fractured bone in his shoulder

The injury news keeps going from bad to worse for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield originally injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, an injury that was initially described as a partial tear of his labrum. It was later revealed that Mayfield has been playing the past four weeks with a complete tear.

After taking five sacks in Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, one of which reaggravated the injury when he dislocated the same shoulder, Mayfield had another scan of the shoulder this week and the news is not good.

It turns out the Mayfield fractured his humerus (shoulder) bone when his shoulder popped out and he will not be back on the field until the fracture heals, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports:

Mayfield was already ruled out of tonight’s game against the Denver Broncos as the short week did not allow the inflammation in his shoulder to calm down enough for him to play.

Now with the news that he has a fractured shoulder in addition to the torn labrum, there is no telling at the moment how long Mayfield will be out of the lineup.

Depending on the severity of the injury, Mayfield may be able to avoid surgery to treat the fracture. According to John Hopkins Medicine:

A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries (i.e., nerve injury or open fracture). A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.

Nonoperative treatment usually includes the placement of fracture bracing that will be replaced by a cylindrical brace (Sarmiento brace) three to four weeks later that fits the upper arm while leaving the elbow free. The doctor will tell you how long to wear the cast or splint and will remove it at the right time. It may take several weeks to several months for the broken arm to heal completely.

Surgery usually involves internal fixation of the fragments with plates, screws or a nail. The rehabilitation differs slightly from nonoperative treatment, with no splints or cast. The patient is usually given a sling for comfort and arm support. Elbow exercises may be started immediately after surgery, while shoulder exercises may be delayed for a few weeks based on the fracture pattern.

Settle in Browns fans, the Case Keenum era may last a bit longer than first expected.