The Cleveland Browns have struggled to win five games this season with their first-string quarterback. Winning their sixth with a third-stringer won't come easy.
Browns coach Pat Shurmur told reporters that starter Brandon Weeden didn't practice Wednesday because of the sprained right shoulder he suffered during Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. Weeden's backup, Colt McCoy, also missed the session with a shoulder injury.
That left longtime practice-squad passer Thaddeus Lewis to take the majority of first-team reps heading into this Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lewis was activated Tuesday.
Shurmur said McCoy complained of shoulder soreness when he arrived at the Browns' facility Wednesday. The coach didn't rule out Weeden, McCoy or running back Trent Richardson -- who suffered a nasty ankle injury against the Broncos -- for the season finale, but we don't expect Weeden to suit up.
The Browns signed free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson off the street on Wednesday, and Shurmur acknowledged Cleveland's game plan would need to pared "way down" against Pittsburgh if anyone but Weeden or McCoy runs the show.
The Browns were riding high back in Week 12 after knocking off a Steelers team that went into the game minus Ben Roethlisberger. Now it appears Pittsburgh is in a good position to return the favor.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.