Browns release past starting quarterback

By foxsports
Published

CLEVELAND (AP) The Browns have waived quarterback Connor Shaw, who started Cleveland's 2014 season finale.

Signed as an undrafted free agent after a stellar career at South Carolina, Shaw missed last season with a right thumb injury sustained in the team's exhibition opener. He underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve in September.

Because of injuries to Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel, the 24-year-old Shaw was forced to start the Browns' last game in 2014 against Baltimore. Despite limited practice time, the third-stringer showed poise while playing with a bruised kidney in a 20-10 loss to the playoff-bound Ravens.

With Shaw gone, the Browns have four quarterbacks on their roster: Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, Austin Davis and rookie Cody Kessler. Griffin, released this winter by Washington, is expected to be named the team's starter by new coach Hue Jackson during training camp.