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What to watch for: Competition for Browns third QB job highlights Vikings preseason game

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The play was called back due to penalty.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The play was called back due to penalty.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Browns host the Minnesota Vikings Saturday afternoon for the second game of the preseason.

Although the stars for both teams will be resting, there are a few things to watch for.


Night off – Don’t expect to see many, if any, starters Saturday. They got all their work in during the joint practices this week in Berea. Players on the back end of the roster looking to make their case to make the team or for a contributing role this season will get an extended opportunity Saturday.

QB 3 – No Deshaun Watson or Jameis Winston Saturday so Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start and Tyler Huntley will mop up what time is left as they compete for the No. 3 QB job behind Watson and Winston. Last week against the Packers Thompson-Robinson put together a 13-play 66-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter and finished 14 of 18 for 134 yards while Huntley completed 6 of 9 passes for 41 yards in a 23-10 loss to Green Bay.

Tackle turnstile – The Vikings had little trouble applying pressure to Browns quarterbacks from the edge during practice this week. The reps at left tackle are now being split in three – James Hudson III, Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi while Jedrick Wills Jr. still rehabs from MCL surgery that ended his 2023 season. On the right side Dawand Jones has been practicing after having surgery to repair his MCL as well, but it’s clear he is still trying to return to his rookie form. Right tackle Jack Conklin, who had ACL and MCL surgery, has been visiting the field recently during practices but is still not doing any exercises.

Special reserves – The top end of the Browns defensive roster got in some quality work this week but reserve roles at all levels – defensive line, linebacker and the defensive backfield – could be had. One way to stand out an make a difference is on special teams. While both teams got to work on the new kickoff this week in practice, the Browns may let the Vikings try some returns. Last week against the Packers head coach Kevin Stefanski lamented the touchbacks and indicated he wanted to see Bubba Ventrone’s unit defend returns.

Broadcast – 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX and the University Hospitals radio network; WEWS TV-5

Kickoff – 4:25 p.m. Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio