Kevin Hogan is the new starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, and he appears to have caught somewhat of a break in his 2017 debut. Set to face the venerable Houston Texans defense, Hogan will at least not have to avoid the pressure from two of the team’s most highly-regarded pass-rushers. Defensive end J.J. Watt and linebacker Whitney Mercilus have both been placed on injured reserve, according to Texans coach Bill O’Brien:
Watt suffered a leg injury in his team’s Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs; Mercilus suffered a torn pectoral in the contest and both players’ seasons are now over.