The Cleveland Browns are down to one healthy quarterback. Brian Hoyer is finished for the season. Jason Campbell is out with a head injury. Brandon Weeden is all they have left. There is no quarterback on the practice squad to promote. There was no left playing behind Weeden. Now scrambling for depth, the Browns intend to shop around for a quarterback meaning a trade or signing will happen prior to Sunday.
Campbell left Sunday's game after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit from cornerback William Gay. There was no flag thrown on the play even though it was clear Campbell was hit in the facemask. The quarterback was examined on the sideline before being carted off into the locker room and not returning. Brandon Weeden stepped in as the Browns fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will be the starter come Week 13.
Rob Chudzinski announced that Weeden will likely get the start against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Campbell has not been ruled out with a concussion, but the head coach realizes that the starter is not looking ready to play yet. Campbell will go through all of the normal NFL protocol when it comes to head injuries and the team will make a decision based off that. Chudzinski feels confident in Weeden despite the home crowd booing his play during Week 12, but the Browns will look at outside options for help.
With it being late in the season, quality is not really what is available on the market. Of course there is the potential signing of Tim Tebow that would either thrill the Browns or drive fans insane. The former Broncos, Jets, Patriots quarterback has been available since training camp. Despite the number of injuries, no one has shown any interest. Could Cleveland be the next team to take him on? Doubtful, but hey, anything is possible in the NFL.
Vince Young is certainly an option. He was given a serious look by the Green Bay Packers twice this year, but the team opted not to sign him. He has made big strides in resurrecting his NFL career. He could be a strong backup behind Weeden.
The Browns are not looking to spend a lot of money, so signing someone off the practice squad could be a better option. They tried to get Scott Tolzien from Green Bay, but the Packers countered their offer. Players like Greg McElroy and BJ Daniels have NFL experience and are all sitting on practice squads. The Browns have plenty of options to consider and Chudzinski says the team intends to explore all of them.