Cleveland Browns: The injuries are already beginning to pile up
The Cleveland Browns had a rough day Sunday, losing more than just the game as the injury big hit Cleveland a bit early this year.
The Cleveland Browns never seem to catch a break.
After having a late-game drive ruined by a phantom taunting call on Terrelle Pryor and subsequently losing Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, news broke Monday that quarterback Josh McCown is out with a shoulder injury. This means rookie quarterback Cody Kessler is starting for the Browns in Week 3, making him the fifth starter in the last five games for the Browns.
Cody Kessler will be Browns' fifth starting QB in last five games https://t.co/xgz8JzfvYJ
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 19, 2016
Hue Jackson announces that Josh McCown is out vs. the Dolphins.
— Marc Sessler (@MarcSessler) September 19, 2016
Cody Kessler now becomes the 26th starting QB for the Browns since '99
McCown did not go on injured reserve, so he is expected to be able to return at some point this season, but hopefully won’t be put back in when he is still injured. At this point in his career, there is no need for McCown to keep playing when he’s injured, even if he is one of the toughest guys in the NFL.
This is a guy I would want to play with. Josh McCown's response on why he kept going back in. pic.twitter.com/gQNoyKoDl8
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) September 19, 2016
While McCown’s injury is the most notable from Sunday, two other players went down with significant injuries.
Starting center Cameron Erving suffered a bruised lung late in the fourth quarter, and will also be out for Sunday’s game in Miami.
Update: C Cameron Erving was released from the hospital this morning. His return to play status will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 19, 2016
John Greco to play at center in Erving's absence. Alvin Bailey off the bench to play at RG.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 19, 2016
With John Greco in at center, the Browns may actually see some better production from the position. Erving never lacks effort, he just struggles at the position and struggled all along the offensive line since joining the team last season. The injury he suffered was a scary one, so hopefully he can recover and get back to full health during the season.
The final injury came on the other side of the line, as rookie Carl Nassib suffered a broken hand in Sunday’s loss.
#Browns Hue Jackson on DE Carl Nassib: Broken hand. Surgery. Out this week. Week-to-week after. Might play with cast.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 19, 2016
It’s good to hear that Nassib can return sooner than later, and the sight of the 6-foot-7 rookie playing with a giant cast on his hand may be enough to instill fear in any opposing offensive lineman.
So to recap all of this madness, the Browns lost the starting quarterback in Week 1. Now they have lost the second starting quarterback in Week 2. A third starting quarterback will start in Week 3, making his NFL debut with a new center, while a rookie defensive lineman will miss the game with a broken hand.
Next: 3 offensive takeaways from loss to Ravens
Week 3 is going to be interesting, but it’s hard to be surprised when it comes to the Cleveland Browns.