The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Kizer to start, Garrett in concussion protocol
Coach Hue Jackson picks rookie DeShone Kizer to start against the Vikings this week. Also, rookie Myles Garrett reported concussion-like symptoms when he arrived for work on Oct. 25
Maybe the third time really will be the charm for DeShone Kizer.
Coach Hue Jackson has chosen Kizer to be the Browns starting quarterback on Oct. 29 for the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Twickenham Stadium in London, the team announced before practice on Aug. 25.
Kizer was benched in each of his last two starts for throwing interceptions. He has thrown 11 picks in a little more than five games, but Jackson’s other choices were Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler, and they have had their turnover issues, too. The Browns quarterbacks have thrown 17 interceptions — seven more than any other team in the league.
“I know everybody is concerned that I have this quick hook,” Jackson said after practice. “Listen, I think DeShone gets it. I’m very honest with DeShone. This is a performance-based business, and there are some things that at the quarterback position are kind of non-negotiable for me. He knows turning the ball over is something that we can’t do. It hurts not just him; it hurts our football team.”
This is the third straight Wednesday Jackson has named a starting quarterback. Hogan was named starter before the Browns played the Texans in Houston. Kizer started the first five games and then regained his starting status before the Browns played Tennessee on Oct. 22. Kizer was benched in the third quarter in favor of Kessler, but now Kizer is starting again.
“It’s another opportunity to go out there and get it right for once,” Kizer said before practice. “I feel like I’m definitely getting better and I’m on the path of evolving myself into a guy who can win in this league, but it’s about eliminating obviously the turnovers and the plays that are stopping us from winning games and finally going out there and completing a game.”
The Browns are 0-7. Jackson wants to use the remainder of the season to determine whether Kizer is good enough to be the Browns’ quarterback of the future.
Kizer is ranked last among starting quarterbacks with a 47.8 passer rating. His three touchdown passes are the fewest in the league and his 11 interceptions thrown are the most in the league.
Garrett enters protocol
Defensive end Myles Garrett is in concussion protocol, but the Browns are holding out hope their rookie star can play against the Vikings on Oct. 29 in London.
Garrett reported to the team facility in Berea on Oct. 24 complaining of “concussion-like symptoms,” the Browns announced before practice on Oct. 25. Garrett did not practice.
The Browns will board a charter to London at 7 p.m. Oct. 26. Coach Hue Jackson said Garrett can fly while in concussion protocol.
“He can do that if we think it’s best because these concussions are different degrees,” Jackson said. “I would hope that he can, but I don’t want to go on record of saying I know for sure he is. Let’s see where it is and then kind of go from there.”
The Browns will practice earlier on Oct. 26, then independent doctors will examine Garrett. Linebacker Christian Kirksey sounds resigned to facing the Vikings without Garrett.
“Myles is a great player,” Kirksey said. “We all can see that. He’s just coming off the edge bringing an extra spark to the defense. Being that guy that can go out there and make an impact play, that’s definitely something that we’ll miss, but he’s just being Myles. We’ve been seeing him since training camp, the type of player he is. We just have to have the next man in.”
Carl Nassib will start at right end if Garrett cannot play.
Garrett, the first pick in the 2017 draft, missed the first four games because of a sprained ankle. He has four sacks in three games to lead the team.