Cleveland Browns: 5 Browns whose stock is up after Colts win

1. Garrett Gilbert, QB

Garrett Gilbert should be in contention for the backup quarterback job, but there is no competition for the spot.

Freddie Kitchens was asked about Gilbert’s role with the team, as well as perceived backup Drew Stanton and the first-year head coach made it known Stanton’s his guy should a quarterback be needed.

Why is Stanton being gifted the starting spot remains of the big questions of camp. Perhaps the even bigger question is why didn’t he play against the Colts. After playing one series against the Redskins, it couldn’t hurt to get him some work.

Stanton is a 53.4 percent career passer, but his ties with the Arizona Cardinals are knotted through Kitchens and current Browns’ quarterbacks coach Ryan Lindley. He and Lindley spent time in the Cardinals’ quarterbacks room in 2014. Guess who was the QBs coach down in the desert back in ’14? Yep, Kitchens.

So the rookie head coach is sticking with a guy he knows and who knows him. Not the first time it’s happened.

As for Gilbert, he followed up a good performance against the Redskins with a great performance against the Colts where he was 13 of 19 for 151 years and two touchdown throws. He ended his day with a 127.3 rating.

If released, considering the clamoring for quarterback talent, Gilbert will be scooped up in a minute by another team.