National Football League

Browns' Weeden could sit vs. Vikings

Published Sep. 16, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden thumb is only sprained.

Cleveland's offense is broken.

Weeden injured his thumb in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 14-6 loss at Baltimore and may not play this week when the Browns play at Minnesota. Coach Rob Chudzinski said the team will wait and see how Weeden's injury responds over the next few days, but he seemed to be leaning toward having to play either backup Jason Campbell or third-stringer Brian Hoyer.

Campbell filled in for one series -- he went 1 of 4 for six yards -- after Weeden went down against the Ravens, but Chudzinski said he will consider starting Hoyer against the Vikings.

"I'm going to keep all of our options open," said Chudzinski. "We have two options -- Jason and Brian. I'm confident in all of our guys."

Campbell, who has made 71 career starts for Washington, Oakland and Chicago, said he's comfortable with whatever his role might be.

"We're all on the same team. Whatever the situation is you have to be a pro and that's how I approach it," he said. "I'll just continue to keep pushing forward and striving to help guys around me to become better, and at the same time just worry about trying to do my job."

Weeden was not available in the locker room during the period it was open to reporters on Monday. The second-year QB hurt his thumb when he banged it on a helmet after throwing a pass. Following the game, Weeden underwent X-rays and said he had trouble gripping the ball. He left the stadium with a large brace on his hand.

Weeden has been sacked 11 times in Cleveland's first two games as the Browns offensive line has had protection issues. Cleveland has scored just one touchdown in losses to Miami and Baltimore.

Chudzinski believes Cleveland's offensive problems are fixable, and the Browns should get a huge lift this week with the return of top wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was suspended for the first two games after failing the NFL's drug policy.

Gordon was punished for a positive codeine test he said was in his cough syrup prescription. He confirmed that if he fails another test, he will be facing a one-year banishment.

"I feel like it's a last chance opportunity for the league," said Gordon, who caught 50 passes for 805 yards and five scores as a rookie. "Nobody wants a problematic type of person in their program or organization because of how it's perceived to be. I definitely want to stay away from any controversy as long as I can forever.

"That's definitely my No. 1 priority."

Gordon said the suspension, along with a recent speeding ticket, have helped him understand that he's risking too much to get in trouble.

"It's a humbling experience," he said. "You find an appreciation for the game. The absence of it makes the heart grow fonder in a sense. That's really what it's about for me right now."

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League