2023-08-02 03:38:01
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — While Aaron Rodgers will be just watching his first game with the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns will seat starter Deshaun Watson in Thursday night’s exhibition game for have more time to evaluate their backup quarterbacks.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that third quarterback Kellen Mond, signed by Cleveland during training camp last season, will start the NFL’s first preseason game. Plus, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will get playing time.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh previously announced that Rodgers, who recently restructured his contract, will not play. He reiterated that backup Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft and who has struggled as a pro, will start once morest the Browns.
It is not yet clear when Rodgers will debut in the green and white uniform. The Jets will play in Carolina on Aug. 12 following two practices together, but Rodgers hasn’t been involved in a single spring training snap since 2018.
“These new practices together are what can serve as that moment, even though it doesn’t get hit.” Rodgers said. “I wouldn’t mind playing in the preseason. If Rob (Saleh) says ‘we’re ready’, whatever, let’s do it. Most coaches have this fear that they’d rather wait until the first week than risk it.”
“But I think there’s a chance for the latter, and we’ll probably use the joint practices with Carolina and Tampa as part of the preseason overhaul.”
Stefanski is eager to see Mond, who is competing with Thompson-Robinson for a roster spot. One may be sent to the practice squad.
“Kellen has done a great job,” Stefanski said. “We were at a stage where we were starting to get to know him last season. He has done everything we have asked of him. I have been very impressed with him both in the meeting room and on the driving range.”
“The most fun part for our players is getting them to play, so I think Kellen is excited regarding the opportunity.”
The 24-year-old Mond has shown steady improvement with the Browns, who got him last year on a waiver from Minnesota. This will be the first opportunity for Mond to showcase his capabilities in a game, and the Texas A&M grad will appreciate that not only the Cleveland coaches’ eyes will be on him.
Instead, Thompson-Robinson will play in the second half alongside other rookies and reserves fighting for a coveted roster spot. This will be a new experience for Thompson-Robinson.
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