The Browns will turn to Cody Kessler to try to beat the Cowboys this week

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson named Cody Kessler the team’s starting quarterback in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Browns cleared the rookie this week, after he suffered a concussion in a 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Kessler has thrown for 947 yards to go along with four touchdowns and an interception this season. His passer rating is a 94.4.

Last week with Kessler out, veteran Josh McCown started for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 2. In Cleveland’s 31-28 loss against the New York Jets in Week 8, McCown played well but couldn’t avoid costly turnovers. He completed 25 of his 49 passes for 341 and two touchdowns. The Browns led 20-7 at halftime, but they allowed 24 unanswered points afterwards.

The two interceptions he threw in the second half helped New York put together its comeback. McCown shouldered the blame for the Browns’ Week 8 loss.

“I take this one squarely on me. I don’t feel like I played to the level that I’m capable of playing at, and that I played to in the first half. I feel like it cost us the ball game.”

The Browns are still winless this season, so their chances of making it to the playoffs are slim. However, Kessler hasn’t played poorly this season. In fact, he looked comfortable while orchestrating Cleveland’s offense. Starting Kessler again gives the organization a chance to see if he can be a long-term starter for the team.