Browns' Keenum to start TNF in place of Mayfield; Beckham questionable

The Cleveland Browns will start backup quarterback Case Keenum against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, the team announced Wednesday.

Baker Mayfield is out after reinjuring his non-throwing shoulder Sunday. He previously said he expected to be ready for the Week 7 contest.

"Case Keenum will be our starter tomorrow night, and we have full confidence in him to lead us and do the things necessary to put us in position to win," Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said.

"Baker fought really hard to play, he's a competitor and obviously wants to be out there, but (he) just couldn't make it on a short week. We know he will continue to do everything in his power to return as quickly as possible."

Cleveland will also be without top running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who are on the shelf with calf injuries. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is questionable with a shoulder injury after sitting out all three practices this week.

The nod will mark Keenum's first start for the Browns. The 33-year-old has 62 career starts under his belt and has thrown 75 touchdowns versus 47 interceptions across 10 NFL seasons.

Keenum played for the Broncos in 2018, making all 16 starts that year. He's in his second season with the Browns.

Mayfield had started 51 straight games, a streak that began in 2018 when he was a rookie. The former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 1,474 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions over six outings this season, completing a career-best 67.1% of his passes and averaging a career-high 8.5 yards per attempt.

The Browns carry a 3-3 record into Thursday Night Football after dropping two straight decisions. The Broncos are also 3-3 and are riding a three-game losing streak.

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