The Browns are the first team since the 2008 Kansas City Chiefs to start three QBs in the first three weeks. Like I said, pretty soon maybe I’ll be playing.
Advertisement
First there was Robert Griffin III, a big-name acquisition during the off-season who broke a bone in his left shoulder in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kessler, listed as the third-string quarterback when this season began just two short weeks ago, has now officially been named the starter for Week 3 in Miami.
Yes, the bad-luck Browns are on their fifth starting quarterback in their last five games, their 26 since relaunching as a franchise in 1999.
Browns coach Hue Jackson talks with quarterback Cody Kessler. “There is no doubt about that”.
In need of a quarterback, the Cleveland Browns will sign journeyman Charlie Whitehurst to serve as a backup for rookie Cody Kessler. Kessler started 41 career games at USC, completing 851-of-1,261 attempts for 10,339 yards with 88 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions. He played in four games for the Colts before being placed on injured reserve.
If he struggles or suffers an injury, Cleveland will likely turn to the 34-year-old Whitehurst until McCown is ready to return.
This comes after Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported the Browns were eyeing a veteran quarterback. Kessler did get some snaps with the first team in practice last week. Josh McCown is “week to week” with a left shoulder injury. Afterward, he became emotional when he talked about wanting to stay on the field with his teammates.
“We started fast, but we have to find a way to be consistent”, he said. “Trust me, here we go. They fight until the very end and you have to give them credit”. Standard operating procedure resulted in an MRI being ordered up, and while Jackson didn’t relay the nature of the ailment, it’s severe enough to force McCown to the sideline this Sunday.
McCown grimaced in pain several times after being hit. The third-round pick has been one of the early positives for the Browns, who have 17 rookies on their roster.
On Sunday, Kessler said he was set to take over for McCown if he was asked.
Jackson laughed Monday when reminded about his comment. “That is what we are going to call it”. I think that is where my point was coming from. “We’ll see what that statement was all about”.
Advertisement
If there are doubters, so be it. “I’ve been like that my whole life. I know our guys feel good that we can get a lot better”. I have nothing but respect for them and the way they play.
