Backup quarterback Cody Kessler, who has been playing in the starter post following Josh McCown's injury in Week 2, has been placed in concussion protocol after taking a huge hit in Sunday's match between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This could leave the team with no other option but to promote Kevin Hogan to the starting role as the Browns take on the New York Jets at Week 8.
During the Browns' Week 7 game, Kessler got hit in the second quarter. Although the team had already confirmed that Kessler concussion is only mild, his teammate Terrelle Pryor noted that the hit left the quarterback dazed and confused.
"He took a hell of a hit, but he has the heart of a lion," Pryor said. "He wanted to go back out there. I'm like ‘dude, you can't...' I (held up three fingers) and he said four. I was joking with him a little bit and out trainers did a great job getting him out and testing him and keeping him off to keep him safe."
Due to Kessler's recent injury, he has been ruled out for the team's upcoming game against the Jets this week. Initially, the team was hoping that McCown, the original starting quarterback of the Browns, will be ready to lead the team on Sunday.
However, it is not yet clear if he is 100% ready to return to the filed at Week 8. McCown was sidelined in Week 2 when the Browns took on the Baltimore Ravens. But, during the past couple of days, he was seen throwing passes during practices session. Despite this, there are no indications yet if he will be able to make his comeback this week.
If McCown is unable to return, this means the Browns will most likely turn to its third-stringer Hogan, who is a running back, to serve as the team's main passer.
As noted by the athlete, he is already starting to prepare to take on this role even though nothing has been finalized yet.
"I'm definitely going to prepare as if I'm the starter, but (I'm) not expecting anything," he said. "I don't know what's going on. I know Cody is fighting to get back and I know Josh is fighting to get back too."
