If there was any doubt about Baker Mayfield’s status as a Cleveland Browns backup, coach Hue Jackson essentially confirmed it on Wednesday.
Jackson said that he doesn’t envision Mayfield getting many reps with the first team during training camp, and that Tyrod Taylor will be the team’s starter unless there’s an injury.
“Tyrod Taylor is the starter,” Jackson said, via Scott Petrak of BrownsZone. “I don’t envision any situation where all of a sudden (Mayfield’s) getting a bunch of first-team reps unless God forbid something happens.”
Jackson pledged to do what he could to ensure that the first overall pick in April’s draft improves even if he isn’t playing.
“He’s going to get reps,” Jackson said. “And one of my jobs and the staff’s job is to make sure that we’re developing him and making sure that he starts to really understand the National Football League. I don’t think it matters about number. Baker Mayfield will get reps to get better as a football player for the Cleveland Browns.”
It has been made clear by Cleveland’s coaching staff that Mayfield just isn’t ready to push for the starting job yet. There will be no camp battle in 2018.
