In Thursday night’s Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, a quarterback debut will take place, but not by Aaron Rodgers as previously anticipated with the New York Jets. Instead, the Cleveland Browns will rest their starter, Deshaun Watson, to give more playing time to their backup QBs.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Kellen Mond, the third-stringer who joined Cleveland at the end of training camp last season, will start the NFL’s first preseason game. Additionally, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will also see extended playing time.
On the Jets’ side, coach Robert Saleh confirmed that Rodgers wouldn’t play in the game. Instead, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick, Zach Wilson, who has faced challenges as a pro, will start against the Browns.
As for Rodgers, he expressed his willingness to play in the preseason if given the opportunity. However, it is yet to be determined when he will make his debut with the Jets in their green and white uniforms.
Meanwhile, Stefanski is eager to evaluate Mond, who is competing with Thompson-Robinson for a spot on the roster or potentially on the practice squad. Mond, who was claimed off waivers from Minnesota by the Browns a year ago, has shown steady improvement and is looking forward to showcasing his skills in a game setting.
Thompson-Robinson, the fifth-round pick from UCLA, will also have a chance to prove himself in the second half of the game, along with other rookies and backups fighting for roster spots. This will be a new experience for Thompson-Robinson, who is focusing on calling plays in the huddle and getting everyone on the same page.
As the Hall of Fame game approaches, football fans will be eagerly watching to see how these quarterbacks perform and compete for their respective teams.