NFL
Browns QB Mayfield labels shoulder surgery 'complete success'
Baker Mayfield is ready to get back to his "true self" after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder.
Baker Mayfield has undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum, which the Cleveland Browns quarterback labelled a "complete success".
After helping the Browns to the Divisional Round of the playoffs in the 2020 season, Mayfield struggled badly in 2021 as he battled the injury to his left shoulder.
Mayfield finished with career-lows in passing yards (3,010) and touchdowns (17) while throwing 13 interceptions in 14 games having been picked only eight times in 16 games in 2020.
His decline in performance has led to increased scrutiny over his long-term viability as the Browns' starting quarterback. The 2018 first overall pick is a free agent after next season.
However, speaking in a video on Instagram, Mayfield was upbeat about his prospects of returning to his best.
"Surgery went great, it was a complete success, now it's on the road to recovery, this is one of the steps to get back to my true self," he said.
"This is not the end of my story, it's gonna be one of those little things that I'll look back and I'll remember that it's one of those challenges and adversity that I'm going to try take advantage of."
The Browns expect Mayfield to make a full recovery in four to six months and begin light throwing in April. It is anticipated he will be ready for the start of training camp ahead of the 2022 season.