Browns turn to 2 rookie QBs Sunday vs. Titans

The Cleveland Browns' quarterbacking unit is in a state of emergency.

Injuries to an alarming number of the team's passers have forced the Browns to turn to rookie third-round pick Cody Kessler to start Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, with fellow rookie Kevin Hogan serving as his backup.

The Browns arrived at this state when Robert Griffin III suffered a broken bone in his shoulder in Week 1, backup Josh McCown sustained a fracture in his shoulder in Week 2, and off-the-street callup Charlie Whitehurst injured his knee in Week 5.

Head coach Hue Jackson admitted to reporters Friday that he never envisioned such a scenario in which two rookie passers would lead his team into battle during the season.

"No, I didn't think that, but I know these things do happen and I know this is our time right now," Jackson said. "We are going through it. Hopefully, we will get through all of these issues and our future will be bright because maybe the injury god will look down on us as we move forward and say, 'OK, you guys have had your fair share for years to come.' Hopefully, that will be the case."

Hogan wasn't even a Browns draft pick. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, but was waived on Sept. 3. The Browns signed him to their practice squad, but certainly didn't expect to promote him to No. 2 quarterback by Week 6.

Jackson was asked point-blank if he's comfortable with Hogan as his backup.

"Much more than I was last week," he said to laughter.

In typical Browns fashion, the best healthy quarterback on their roster just might be a receiver. Their No. 1 wideout Terrelle Pryor was a quarterback in college. He also has eight pass attempts and four completions to his name this season.