Browns turn to Kizer for next game, beyond
Former Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer was named the Browns’ starter for the preseason game Saturday at the Buccaneers, and barring an unforeseen flop or injury, he will start the Sept. 10 opener against the Steelers.
After watching Kizer develop over the last month and show poise while delivering some long completions in two preseason appearances, coach Hue Jackson picked him over veterans Brock Osweiler and Cody Kessler.
“I don’t ever want to put something on someone too soon if they’re not ready,” Jackson said. “But he’s demonstrated that he’s ready, so let’s give him a chance to see if he can do it.”
Jackson hasn’t officially named Kizer his Week 1 starter, but it would take a major flame- out for him not to get the assignment.
Jackson said Osweiler will not play against the Buccaneers, raising suspicions he might be traded.
Jaguars switch QBs
Chad Henne will start the Jaguars’ preseason game against the Panthers, a change that could signal the end of Blake Bortles’ career with the team. Coach Doug Marrone said both quarterbacks will get time with the first- team offense.
If Henne, a 10- year veteran whose last start came in 2014, plays well, he likely will start the Sept. 10 season opener at Houston.
Kaepernick protest
Supporters of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who refused to stand for the national anthem to protest police brutality against African- Americans, showed their solidarity with him and his cause at a rally outside NFL headquarters in New York, demanding that he be hired by the start of the regular season next month.
More than 1,000 people, many wearing jerseys bearing Kaepernick’s name, contend that he is being blackballed for his advocacy.
This and that
Giants coach Ben McAdoo gave no updates on injured receivers Odell Beckham Jr. ( ankle) and Brandon Marshall ( shoulder), saying only that they were day- to- day and the team is waiting to see how they respond to treatment.
The Jets released receiver Marquess Wilson, who had 56 catches for 777 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons with the Bears.
Redskins tight end Jordan Reed practiced for the first time this summer after dealing with a toe injury.
Raiders left tackle Donald Penn ended his holdout and reported to camp.
Sun- Times wires