Latest On Browns’ QB Situation

According to Adam Schefter, the best guess right now is that Browns QB Robert Griffin III will end up missing 10-12 weeks of the season with a shoulder injury.

Browns’ sources tell Schefter that rookie QB Cody Kessler isn’t close to being ready to play and overall expectations for him “aren’t particularly high.”

Interestingly enough, Schefter says that there are some within the Browns who believe RGIII‘s injury could turn out to be a good think in the end, HC Hue Jackson was reportedly so focused on getting Griffin turned around that this will allow him to move on and focus on what the team needs to do going forward.

Team sources tell Schefter that the Browns loved Jared Goff, Kessler and Griffin during offseason workouts, and they didn’t care for either Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott. Schefter brings this up because the same people will be in charge of finding the team’s next quarterback during the offseason.

As for Josh McCown, who is now the team’s starting quarterback, Schefter writes that he had a “reasonable protest” about the notion that Cleveland should tank for the No. 1 overall pick next year. McCown specifically mentioned respecting veteran players like LT Joe Thomas by trying to win games.

Cleveland placed RGIII on injured reserve earlier in the week and there’s actually some question as to whether he’ll return later on in the year.

Griffin, 26, signed RGIII to a two-year, $15 million contract that includes $6.75 million guaranteed.  He’ll make a base salary of $3.25 million for the 2016 season.

The Browns will face a decision regarding Griffin next March, as he has a $750,000 roster bonus at that point. If the Browns pick up his bonus, RGIII would be paid a $6 million base salary with $750,000 more being available in per-game bonuses.

After one game, Griffin has thrown for 190 yards while completing 12 of 26 pass attempts (46.15 percent) to go along with no touchdowns and an interception. He added another 37 yards rushing for the Browns during the game.