Brandon Weeden was confident that when he was healthy again, the Cleveland Browns would make him the starting quarterback. That decision was no longer a question after backup Brian Hoyer tore his ACL, leaving the Browns with Weeden and Jason Campbell to take over the quarterback spot. While Weeden has been named the starting quarterback for Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, he may not stay that way.
Weeden stepped in for the injured Hoyer during Thursday night's win against the struggling Buffalo Bills. It was the Browns third-straight win and it ended any speculation that someone else would take over the starting spot for the Browns. Weeden went 13-of-24 in passing for 197 yards and one touchdown. Many believed he had wrapped up the starting spot after Hoyer was deemed out for the remainder of the season, until head coach Rob Chudzinski sounded coy on the topic.
When asked about the quarterback position, Chudzinski simply said the Browns were "looking at our options." Options? Weeden is the option and Campbell is the backup, right? Unless the Browns are thinking that may not be enough to get them through the season. Chudzinski has never sounded like the biggest Weeden supporter. He waited until the last possible moment to name the quarterback the team's starter for the season. He made no guarantees that Weeden would start after his hand injury healed.
Cleveland is not afraid to make moves and if they have to trade for someone, they likely will. Just ask Trent Richardson. After missing out on Josh Freeman, there is really no one worthy left on the open market. The team would have to cut a deal if they are looking for a player that will challenge Weeden.
As Weeden once again prepares to jump back in as starter, he is getting plenty of love from his teammates on offense. Wide receiver Josh Gordon noted Weeden was a little rusty when he entered the huddle, but the entire team is standing in support of him.
"He was a little rusty from the injury," Gordon said, via Ohio.com. "We got behind him, told him a few things - 'Think a little less, just react, go out there and have fun with it, just trust us.' He did exactly that and we went out there and made plays. We all talked to him - 'Just relax, settle down, try to get us the ball out quickly as possible, let us try to make a play, quit thinking as much and just let it go.'"
Chudzinski noted that Weeden has been managing the game well, but needs to make quicker decisions. The quarterback may be the future for the following week, but clearly Cleveland is not ready to make a serious investment in his talents.