Cleveland Browns Roster, Injury News 2017: Kevin Hogan Relegated to Third-String Quarterback Due to Bruised Ribs

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Friday, October 20, 2017

Cleveland Browns quarterback Kevin Hogan finally got the first start of his career when they took on the Houston Texans last Sunday. Unfortunately, the second-year pro just couldn't take advantage of this opportunity and now he's heading back to the bench in favor of rookie DeShone Kizer.

However, Hogan's not going to be Kizer's primary backup because he has been bumped down behind one-time starter Cody Kessler. Browns head coach Hue Jackson would later clarify that Hogan's not getting demoted because of his performance in last Sunday's game. Apparently, he's dealing with an injury to his ribs and he won't be 100 percent when they take on the Tennessee Titans this Sunday.

"He has bruised ribs," Jackson said on Wednesday, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "They are pretty bruised in my opinion. It is not because of performance. I'm not going to put a guy out there or let him go through the week [if he's not healthy enough]," he continued.

Hogan only completed 20 of his 37 throws for 140 yards with one touchdown in a losing effort against the Texans. He also had three interceptions and he was sacked four times during the game. Hogan will likely be the Browns second-string quarterback if he's not dealing with a rib injury.

The second-year quarterback was actually a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but Jackson said he was clearly struggling because of the injury.

"[Hogan] was running a ball today, and I knew what was going to happen," Jackson stated. "Sure enough, he was trying to be tough and prove that he is ready to play. He gets hit right on the spot and drops the ball and everything. That tells me that coach is right," he added.

Hogan is 46 of 75 for 517 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in four games this season.