Brock Osweiler will make his second straight start at quarterback.
Browns coach Hue Jackson said Wednesday the veteran will lead the first-team offense in Monday's preseason game against the Giants in what remains an open competition at the position.
"I still think right now, where we are, he deserves the opportunity to walk out there first," said Jackson, who added rookie DeShone Kizer will work with the second team, Cody Kessler with the third team and Kevin Hogan with the fourth team.
Jackson also emphasized this latest development "doesn't mean anything for the regular season" as Cleveland continues to evaluate its signal callers and who might be the best fit to lead the team this fall.
Instead, Jackson said he hopes to have that solved by the third preseason game against the Buccaneers. "I think hopefully we will have it all nailed down about exactly where we are headed and where we are going," he said. "I think whoever trots out there (against Tampa) has a very good chance of trotting out there" against the Steelers on Sept. 10.
Osweiler — who went through a series of highs and lows in his first season as a full-time starter with the Texans last year — passed for 42 yards in Thursday's win against the Saints. After the game, the 6-foot-7 signal caller took ownership of a slow start that saw the Browns struggle to consistently move the ball.
"We had some penalties. I threw some incomplete passes. We weren't able to get into a rhythm as an offense," he said.
"Anytime you struggle to get into a rhythm early, you are going to have a slow start to the game. That is what you saw tonight. There are no excuses for that. Honestly, that comes onto my shoulders. I have to find a way to spark this offense early, make plays for this offense early."
Jackson said Osweiler — who is entering his sixth NFL season — has taken strides throughout training camp, particularly in managing the Browns offense.
"Brock is a pro. He has done this. He is not going to get fooled by many things," he said. "Obviously, he would be the first to tell you there are some throws he wants to make better, some things he wants to do better and he will work at those things, but I think he deserves to go out there first, and we will go from there."
Jackson said he hasn't decided how much Osweiler and the first-team offense will play Monday, though he made it clear he would like to see his younger counterparts, including Kizer, receive playing time. "I want to see these young guys play quite a bit," Jackson said.
Kizer, the former Notre Dame star and second-round NFL Draft pick, shined in his NFL debut last week, passing for 184 yards and the game-winning touchdown. After that performance, Jackson praised the 21-year-old but added there's still more he must see from the rookie.
"I think seeing DeShone — again last week — it was in the second half. I want to see him now in the first half, and see what he can do there," he said. "I'll give him an opportunity there to showcase his talent and ability, and then we'll put Cody in and go from there."
