Osweiler gets start in Browns’ preseason opener
The Cleveland Browns’ never-ending quarterback saga has produced yet another surprise.
Coach Hue Jackson on Monday picked Brock Osweiler over Cody Kessler, rookie DeShone Kizer and Kevin Hogan to start Thursday’s exhibition opener against the New Orleans Saints in what will be an important stage in a QB competition that’s midway through its second week, with no end in sight.
Jackson said he chose Osweiler primarily because he has NFL experience and he wants to give both Kessler and Kizer more playing time.
“It’s best for me to trot Brock out there, see if he can go lead this offense and lead the team, and in the process keep getting these young guys more reps,” Jackson said. “They just need to play. DeShone needs to play more. Cody needs to play more and Kevin needs to play more, and I thought this is the way to do it.”
Osweiler, who started 14 games for Houston last season, had a solid practice while taking his first snaps with Cleveland’s starting offense. He completed several long passes, including a deep one to wide receiver Corey Coleman, who made a one-handed grab.
Cutler joins Dolphins
New Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler won’t play in the team’s exhibition opener on Thursday, but look for him to be starting soon enough.
“He didn’t come out of retirement to stand on the sideline,” coach Adam Gase said.
Cutler missed practice because it took place as he landed in south Florida to sign a one-year, $10 million contract. The 34-year-old decided to delay the start of his network TV career for the chance to replace Ryan Tannehill and be reunited with Gase, his former offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears.
Cutler is expected to leapfrog longtime Dolphins backup Matt Moore for the starting job while Tannehill remains out with a left knee injury that likely will sideline him for the entire season.
Landry investigated
Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry is being investigated for possible domestic battery, officials said, an allegation the player’s girlfriend called a fabrication.
A spokesman for the Broward County State Attorney’s office said in an email the allegations were under review and no decision has been made on whether Landry will be charged.
Wilfork retires
Former New England and Houston defensive tackle Vince Wilfork announced his retirement.
Wilfork tweeted a video showing him un-taping his ankles, hanging up his cleats and grabbing grilling tongs. The video then shows the 35-year-old defender dancing, cooking ribs and smoking a cigar while wearing his trademark overalls.
“No more cleats,” he says. “I’m moving on to smoke meats, fellas. Peace out. I’m outta here. Later.”
Wilfork, who played 13 NFL seasons, was drafted by New England in 2004 out of the University of Miami and anchored the Pats’ defensive line for 11 seasons. He was named to five Pro Bowls and helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls.
Bills ink Boldin
Receiver Anquan Boldin, 36, is returning for a 15th NFL season after signing a contract with the Buffalo Bills.