Click the link for an updated version of this story: Browns coach Hue Jackson says he must learn exactly what he has in rookie QB Cody Kessler before April’s draft
Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler will start for the Browns (0-8) when they face the Dallas Cowboys (6-1) on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Browns coach Hue Jackson announced Friday he chose Kessler over veteran Josh McCown.
Jackson said the Browns need to find out whether Kessler can be their quarterback of the future. They're armed with two first-round picks in next year's draft.
"That's a fair assessment because that's why he's playing because I need to know," Jackson said. "I don't want to just say if he does great that doesn't mean that we're not going to draft a quarterback because I think you've got to always have quarterbacks. You've got to keep taking shots until you have the guy that you feel is going to do what you need done.
"But you need to know what's on your team, and I think the more I'm around guys, the more that I see them in different situations and play under duress and stress and pressure, the more I'm going to know about them. So this is an opportunity for Cody to demonstrate that. But more so than that, it's an opportunity for him to go out with his teammates and help them get a win."
Kessler, a third-round pick, started five consecutive games until his streak was interrupted by a concussion he suffered Oct. 23 against the Cincinnati Bengals. As a result, McCown started Sunday's 31-28 loss to the New York Jets.
Kessler, 23, has completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 947 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. His passer rating is 94.4.
McCown, 37, has started two games this season and completed 54.9 percent of his passes for 601 yards and four touchdowns with four interceptions. His rating is 74.3.
After quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered a fractured left shoulder Sept. 11 in the regular-season opener, McCown suffered a fractured left collarbone a week later in the second game. McCown's injury opened the door for Kessler to start earlier than expected.