Kessler to open Browns camp as starter; Osweiler still in running

Cody Kessler will open training camp as the Cleveland Browns' No. 1 quarterback.

Head coach Hue Jackson made the announcement Wednesday at the open of the training camp.

"Cody will walk out there first, and we'll give him an opportunity there," Jackson said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Kessler started eight of the nine games he appeared in during his rookie campaign in 2016. He proved himself a competent quarterback, completing 65 percent of his passes and throwing six touchdowns against two interceptions. But his year was plagued by injury.

"He's still the guy who demonstrates, who knows the offense the best," Jackson said. "He's the guy that's played the most football for us in that group, and I think he deserves the chance to walk out there first."

Entering 2017, he will compete with rookie DeShone Kizer and Brock Osweiler, who was acquired via trade, to open the year as the starter.

Though it was assumed Osweiler wouldn't figure into the team's plans going forward, Jackson confirmed he has a legitimate shot at the starting job.

Despite his $16-million price tag, Osweiler doesn't have to be the starting quarterback in order to remain on the roster, team vice president Sashi Brown said.