The Browns lost rookie quarterback Cody Kessler to chest and rib injuries late in the first quarter Sunday and fell behind 23-7 to the visiting New England Patriots at halftime of Tom Brady's return.
On second-and-12 at the Browns' 10-yard line, Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower rushed into the backfield unblocked and blasted Kessler. Not only was Kessler injured during the play, but his backward pass intended for running back Duke Johnson also bounced out of bounds for a safety that gave the Patriots a 16-7 lead with 1:20 left in the opening quarter.
Kessler was examined on the sideline, then went to the locker room with medical personnel.