Chud Press Conference Notes, Injury Updates

Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

In his press conference today (Wednesday), Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski had a few important notes.  First, beyond the fact that Brian Hoyer will start and they hope he can give them a ‘spark’, Brandon Weeden’s job is not guaranteed when he gets healthy.  He will need to earn it according to Chud.  That was an interesting tidbit but not the only one from the press conference as there were updates on Greg Little, Quentin Groves, Shawn Lauvao and Athyba Rubin.

Chud confirmed that Weeden’s injury was not serious and will be evaluated week to week, but that he the starting job would not be guaranteed upon his recovery.  It will depend on a number of factors including how guys are playing; not exactly an endorsement to his less than stellar first two games and all but saying the Browns will be drafting a quarterback in May.

Little will not be starting this week and they will go with Davone Bess and Josh Gordon.  Little will play, but coming into the game as a third receiver.  This appears to be how the Browns are trying to send a message in regards to his most recent issue behind the wheel.

Groves has been ruled out with the ankle injury he suffered against the Ravens.  It is still not regarded as a serious injury but serious enough to keep him out a week.  Barkevious Mingo played 35 total snaps last week; 25 on defense, 10 on special teams.  It is safe to say that number will be increased substantially and they will hope to have him wreak havoc on Christian Ponder.

Lauvao is apparently “close” to returning.  He is going to be running today.  It is unclear how close he is legitimately to returning to action as opposed to how close he is to being good enough to replace Oniel Cousins.

Rubin will be practicing this week and is getting closer to returning, which would really help with the defensive line rotation.  Billy Winn has done a great job in his stead but having Rubin back, whenever that is, will only make the unit stronger.