Browns' Jackson hints Stanton, not Mayfield, will be backup QB early in 2018

In case you needed more convincing that Baker Mayfield is unlikely to start for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, head coach Hue Jackson hinted that Drew Stanton could be the team's backup quarterback entering the season.

"I've said from the beginning that I think experience is important,'' Jackson said when asked about the Browns' backup quarterback position, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. "Right now, Drew still has that experience, and we'll see how that all unfolds as we go. I haven't made that choice just yet, but his veteran presence says a lot.

"He's played in a lot of games against a lot of teams that we are going to start off against and play against so I think that is important to definitely consider."

Jackson's comments would seemingly leave Mayfield as Cleveland's third-string pivot. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick will apparently not receive any first-team reps during preseason games, but has taken the majority of second-team reps during camp.

The Browns' coach plans on changing this in Friday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, giving the veteran Stanton an extended look with the backups.

"He never played for me in a game, (Offensive coordinator) Todd (Haley) or (quarterbacks coach) Kenny (Zampese),'' Jackson said. "It's important that we put him out there with his teammates and (let him) play. He's a very valuable person in our organization and on our football team.

"If something were to happen (to starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor), we'd have to make a heck of a decision on which road we travel. I want to know more about him, and he's been great at practice. You have to put guys in game situations and let them play."