(Getty)
The Cleveland Browns announced on Monday that Robert Griffin III has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a serious injury to his left shoulder in Sunday’s season opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
He’ll be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, but as a result, 37-year-old Josh McCown will take over as starting quarterback in Week 2.
Browns’ QB RGIII has a fractured coracoid bone in his left shoulder and he will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks. Could be out for season.
McCown had a solid start to the 2015 season with a 63.7% completion percentage, however various injuries cut his playing time.
In eight starts for the Browns in 2015, McCown averaged 263.6 passing yards per game. He threw for 2,109 yards for 12 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He suffered from a fractured collarbone, which ended his season in December.
McCown could be seen as an upgrade for the declining Griffin, and is worth taking a look at as a low-end QB2 for Week 2 against the Ravens. Working in McCown’s favor, Cleveland has what seems to be a favorable early season schedule– facing Baltimore, Miami, and Washington in the next three weeks.
McCown will be supported by a nice trio of offensive targets: Corey Coleman, Andrew Hawkins and Gary Barnidge. Expect McCown’s return to offer a boost to Barnidge, who was his favorite target in 2015. Barnidge had 43 receptions for 626 yards and 6 touchdowns in McCown’s eight starts.
Although McCown has had his share of inconsistencies in the past, he is a solid back-up consideration. Let’s not forget, he was off to a productive fantasy campaign in 2015. In seven games last season, McCown had three top-12 (QB1) finishes.