Browns third-string quarterback Kellen Mond is the starter for Cleveland as the preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday in Canton, Ohio.
Mond, a reclamation project of head coach Kevin Stefanski, is set to start against the New York Jets with Deshaun Watson and No. 2 quarterback Josh Dobbs not slated to play in the preseason opener.
Mond will share playing time with fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the dual-threat phenom from UCLA. He's more realistically competing for a spot on a practice squad -- in Cleveland or another NFL team.
"I think Kellen's done a great job," Stefanski said. "There was a period of just getting to know him early in the season last year. So he's done everything we've asked him to do. I've been very impressed with him both in the meeting room and on the practice field. And the fun part for our players, as you know, is to play these games. So I think Kellen's excited about the opportunity."
A third-round pick (66th overall) of the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, well after Stefanski's run as offensive coordinator with the team, Mond fell out of favor with then-head coach Mike Zimmer and was unable to dig himself out of the doghouse.
The Jets plan to rest all of their starters, head coach Robert Saleh said, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Zach Wilson will start the game for the Jets.
NFL teams have become more cautious playing starters, especially quarterbacks. Saleh said it's possible Rodgers could debut Sept. 11, Week 1 of the regular season, against the Buffalo Bills.
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