Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer has been named the starter for this Saturday’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Head coach Hue Jackson said this in the team’s press release on the decision: 

Kizer has completed 61.3% of his passes (19-31) for 258 yards and a touchdown and a 98.6 QB rating in his two appearances this preseason. He’s also rushed for a touchdown on Monday night against the Giants. 

Leading the team on four of it’s five scoring drives, being responsible for two touchdowns himself. Kizer has progressed since the day he walked into Berea when they drafted him 52nd overall in April’s NFL Draft. 

He’s far from a finished product and there’s been times during the preseason where you can see the flaws in his game. 

Monday night was a prime example of that where he was holding onto the ball too long which led to some sacks. 

He also needs to learn how to slide when he takes off and runs, he took some hits which when you’re a young quarterback, I’m sure you can think you can take those hits but one day those hits will knock you out of the game or out of the sport for good.

I think it’s obvious though that Kizer has looked like the best quarterback out of the four on the roster and he has room to grow. 

With a solid performance on Saturday, I think Kizer will be named the permanent starter for the season. While I think he needs more time to develop, the best learning experience for him is out on the field like the countless rookie quarterbacks who have played from day one.

Osweiler not playing 

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Brock Osweiler will not even play against Tampa on Saturday. 

While he’s thrown the ball accurately during training camp and the preseason, he hasn’t been able to get the team down the field to score points and Monday’s performance didn’t do him any favors with his passes going over the receivers’ heads and getting his pass tipped and intercepted by the Giants defense. 

It makes you wonder if his future in Cleveland is in question. There’s still a very good chance a team needing a quarterback could trade for Osweiler and the Browns will eat some his $16 million dollar salary. 

It’s also possible that the Browns know what he is and want to give Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan more playing time as they fight it out for the third quarterback  spot on the roster. 

Roster Moves 

The Browns made several moves to their roster Monday night/Tuesday morning 

• The team released veteran defensive lineman Desmond Bryant on Monday night. Bryant spent four seasons with Cleveland, only playing in three as he missed the entire 2016 season. Bryant recorded 113 tackles and 14.5 sacks 
• The team signed defensive lineman Brandon Thompson. Thompson spent his five years as a pro in Cincinnati who drafted him in the third round in 2012. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL. In four seasons he’s recorded 53 tackles and 3 sacks. 
• They also placed offensive tackle Matt McCants and linebacker Tank Carder on injured reserve, ending their 2017 season. 
• They also waived safety Justin Currie with an injury designation. If he clears waivers, he’ll be placed on injured reserve. 
• The team also signed former Ohio State Buckeye and defensive back Christian Bryant. Bryant was recently with the Arizona Cardinals and was a seventh round draft choice by the Rams in 2014.