CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Cody Kessler sustained chest and rib injuries after taking a hit from New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower late in the first quarter on Sunday.
Kessler was hurried on the throw that resulted in a backward pass that rolled out of the back of the end zone for a safety.
Charlie Whitehurst warmed up on the sideline as Kessler headed to the locker room to be examined. Converted wide receiver Terrelle Pryor played quarterback for the first two snaps before Whitehurst entered the game.
Kessler completed five of eight passes for 62 yards and a touchdown prior to the injury. He was making his third start.
Whitehurst becomes the fourth quarterback for the Browns this year following Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown and Kessler.
Whitehurst limped off the field with an apparent knee injury. He never left the bench area and was on the sideline with his helmet on when Cleveland turned the ball over on downs with Terrelle Pryor at quarterback.
