Osweiler to start Browns' preseason opener

Brock Osweiler will be under center when the Cleveland Browns take the first snaps of their preseason Thursday.

"At this stage in the evaluation process of our quarterbacks, we are going to have Brock start the preseason opener against the Saints on Thursday night," head coach Hue Jackson said.

Some reports had pegged rookie DeShone Kizer as ahead of Osweiler in the quarterback competition and perhaps likely to get the nod. Cody Kessler is also competing for the chance to start Week 1.

Curiously, Kizer and Kessler have split first-team reps at training camp, while Osweiler has played with the second team. Jackson acknowledged that that may have been unfair to Osweiler.

"Brock hasn’t really gotten any first team reps and this will give him that chance. We look forward to seeing what he can do with this opportunity throughout the week and against the Saints. Cody will be the second quarterback to take the field followed by DeShone and then Kevin (Hogan)."