Rookie Cody Kessler is next on the depth chart, but the Browns could look outside for a veteran QB.
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Browns coach Hue Jackson is expected to start rookie Cody Kessler this week at Miami, but he now has another option in the 34-year-old Whitehurst, who spent last season with Tennessee and Indianapolis.
Which means if the quarterback calamities continue for the Browns, they have the potential to be the first team to have six different quarterbacks in six games.
Robert Griffin III sustained a shoulder injury in a 29-10 season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and was promptly placed on injured reserve after tests revealed a fractured coracoid bone in his left shoulder that could keep him sidelined up to 12 weeks.
“Obviously, he is the next guy up”, Jackson said of Kessler, a four-year starter at USC who struggled during training camp and the exhibition season.
Jackson did not provide any specifics about the injury to McCown, who displayed toughness by staying in the game and absorbing several big hits while almost leading the Browns (0-2) to a comeback win. A third-round pick of the Chargers in 2006, Whitehurst has made nine career starts and has also played with the Seahawks, Titans and Colts.
Erving was released from the hospital following an overnight stay.
Jackson said when he drafted Kessler ahead of higher-rated quarterbacks the media would have to “trust me on Kessler”. If I had to go in and that opportunity came up, I didn’t want to be freaking out.
“Last week I got more reps and I felt more comfortable getting to go in with the offense, instead of doing the scout team the whole time”, Kessler said.
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“He is one of the toughest human beings I’ve seen play in a long time”, Jackson said.
