Keenum is expected to start Sunday's game against the Bengals after head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is scheduled to undergo surgery "as soon as possible" and won't be available for the season finale, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Stefanski didn't officially name a Week 18 starter, Keenum will presumptively receive the nod, considering he's served as the No. 2 signal-caller behind Mayfield all season when both have been available. Kyle Lauletta, meanwhile, is another option at the position, though he's bounced around multiple organizations since entering the league in 2018 and has only had a few weeks to get up to speed with the Cleveland playbook since being signed off Jacksonville's practice squad Dec. 17. Keenum previously filled in as a starter in place of Mayfield on a Thursday night game against the Broncos back in Week 7. The Browns leaned heavily on a D'Ernest Johnson-led ground attack in that contest, but Keenum was competent when his number was called, as he completed 21 of 33 attempts for 199 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland's 17-14 win.