Browns turn to Mayfield after Taylor leaves game, ruled out with concussion
It looks like it'll be up to rookie Baker Mayfield to lead a Cleveland comeback Thursday, as Browns starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor left the game against the New York Jets late in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.
Taylor was declared out for the remainder of the game shortly after halftime.
He struggled mightily prior to the injury, completing just 4-of-14 passes for 19 yards, with four rushing attempts for an additional 22 yards.
The 29-year-old had completed 52.9 percent of 70 pass attempts with two touchdowns and two interceptions through the first two weeks of the season.
Mayfield seemed to instantly inject some life to the stagnant Browns offense, lining up in the shotgun on his first play and hitting wide receiver Jarvis Landry over the middle for a gain of 14 yards. He then found tight end David Njoku for 17 yards on the next play.
The No. 1 overall pick of April's draft was sacked and coughed up a fumble on the third play of his NFL career, but it was scooped up by offensive lineman Joel Bitonio.
The drive concluded with a successful 45-yard field goal from recently-signed kicker Greg Joseph to narrow the Jets' lead to 14-3 at the half.