Report: Osweiler not expected to play in Browns' 3rd preseason game

Brock Osweiler has gone from reported favorite for the starting job to the sidelines in just two days.

The Cleveland Browns' veteran quarterback isn't expected to play in the third preseason game Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

DeShone Kizer was announced as the starter for the contest earlier in the day.

Osweiler underwhelmed - again - during the Browns' 10-6 win over the New York Giants on Monday, seemingly all but killing his chance of winning the job that appeared to be almost his.

Dropping Osweiler entirely from the main exhibition game for the starters is a clear signal that his time in Cleveland could be coming to an end. The Browns are presumably trying to avoid him suffering an injury so they can pursue a trade, or more likely, a straight release.

After the Browns acquired Osweiler in March, they reportedly looked into immediately trading him. While no move came to fruition, Cleveland has continued to make calls about moving the quarterback before and after training camp started, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

With Osweiler out of the running, Cody Kessler should be in line for more snaps behind Kizer, as will No. 4 quarterback Kevin Hogan.

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