Oct 8, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) throws a pass during the second half against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Hogan, 24, will make the first start of his career over Kizer, who was benched after halftime in last Sunday’s 17-14 loss to the New York Jets.
“I’ve made the decision to start Kevin this week,” Jackson said in a statement. “We’ve liked what Kevin has been able to do within our offense when he’s been in there and he will ?start on Sunday because that’s what we feel is best for our team at this point in time.
“This does not change the way we feel about DeShone going forward. He has worked extremely hard and still very much has a bright future. Right now, it’s better for him and his development to back up Kevin.”
The 21-year-old Kizer, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame, went 0-5 as a starter and was last in the NFL with a 49.5 passer rating, completing 81 of 159 passes for 851 yards with three touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Browns’ offense played better with Hogan under center in the second half against the Jets, scoring 14 points and gaining 244 total yards. With Kizer at quarterback in the game, Cleveland had 175 total yards and two red-zone turnovers as he completed 8 of 17 for 87 yards with an interception.
Hogan was 16-of-19 passing for 194 yards against the Jets and led the Browns on two touchdown drives. For the season, he is 26 of 38 for 377 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, and a passer rating of 104.8.
Hogan, a fifth-round pick of Kansas City in 2016 out of Stanford, was signed to the Browns’ practice squad when the Chiefs released him after the 2016 preseason. He was promoted to the active roster in October.
