Browns Name Hoyer Quarterback for Bengals, Injury Updates

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) throws during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In perhaps the least surprising news possible, head coach Rob Chudzinski announced that the Browns quarterback against the Bengals will be Brian Hoyer.  Chud appeared to have tipped his hand earlier this week when he said that Brandon Weeden had not thrown since spraining his thumb against the Baltimore Ravens.

Hoyer was certainly not a world beater against the Minnesota Vikings but the local kid was able to lead the offense down the field in large part due to a heavy dose of Josh Gordon.  In the end, the Browns were able to put up 31 points after putting up a combined 16 in their first two games.  While Hoyer is not the answer as a long term starter, this is a great audition for him to be a long term backup for this team.

A large reason Hoyer was effective was that he makes quick decisions and gets rid of the ball.  That bit him twice as he threw passes right to Vikings players that were intercepted.  Hoyer was able to show that while he does not have a great arm, he has enough of one where he can stretch the field vertically more than some thought going into last week’s game.  A lot of that is because of his ability to anticipate and get rid of the ball early.  Done correctly, it has the appearance of going deeper down the field while making it difficult for opponents to adjust and get in position to stop it.

Hoyer will have a big test this week as the Bengals have one of the better defenses in the NFL.  Their defensive line rotation is extremely impressive and the players behind them are no slouches either.

Chud also announced that Jabaal Sheard will not practice today because of the sprained knee.  He believes that Barkevious Mingo is ready to fill in and start if Sheard cannot go and “has improved against the run tremendously.”