CLEVELAND, Ohio - Hue Jackson may not have a legitimate season-changing option at quarterback but he can still conduct a legitimate competition, one that's merit-based and not orchestrated by incumbency or draft status.
That as much as anything explains why Jackson moved veteran Brock Osweiler up in the rotation and named him the starter for Thursday's exhibition opener against New Orleans.
What does it mean beyond that? It means Osweiler has risen above the afterthought status attached to his acquisition from Houston. But not much else.
It doesn't guarantee he'll be the starter against the Steelers in the regular season opener, or even that he won't be traded should a desperate organization come calling later in camp.