Anthony Schwartz Opens Up About Being Blamed for Baker Mayfield's Injury

Cleveland fans had high hopes for 2021 third-round pick Anthony Schwartz during his rookie season. However, the wide receiver only ended up posting 135 yards and became best known for "causing" quarterback Baker Mayfield's shoulder injury. He doesn't believe that is a fair assumption, though.

#Browns WR Anthony Schwartz, in this one-on-one interview, reflects on feeling blamed for Baker Mayfield's shoulder injury his entire rookie season, his mostly lost rookie year, and where he goes from here https://t.co/LAQ02tGS8t
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 25, 2022

Cleveland Browns News

Mayfield launched a ball deep down the field on a third down passing play in Week 2. While it was meant for Schwartz, the young pro froze on the in-route and it allowed the pass to be intercepted. Opposing safety Justin Reid then trucked Mayfield on his return and the QB suffered a torn labrum.

Schwartz went into detail explaining that the blame he immediately received seemed justified at the time. That's not the case anymore. The 21-year-old has had time to reflect on the situation and wants to make sure people know mistakes were made by everyone involved.

"A lot of things have to happen for that to happen, and it’s unfortunate. That’s one of the plays from last year that I wish I could take back. But at end of the day I don’t think it’s in the right for me to take all that blame."
- Anthony Schwartz

Schwartz said that he hashed things out with his quarterback after the game, but a lasting impact was felt on the field. Mayfield never targeted the Auburn product more than twice in any game following the injury.

It was the beginning of a downhill season for Mayfield. Questions arose about his future with the team as the Browns posted an 8-9 record just one year after making the NFL Playoffs. He was eventually traded to the Carolina Panthers and will face his former squad to open the 2022 season on Sept. 11.

The Browns have odds set at +2800 to win Super Bowl 57, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.