BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns will play their starters in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chicago Bears, coach Hue Jackson said Monday.
It's not typical for a team to use its starters in the final game. Most coaches prefer to rest them to avoid the risk of injury. In last weekend's games, the Dallas Cowboys lost quarterback Tony Romo to a fractured vertebra, and the Baltimore Ravens lost tight end Ben Watson to a torn Achilles tendon.
Jackson, though, feels his team needs more playing time before the season opener Sept. 11 in Philadelphia.
"I think we need to play them," said Jackson, who added he was not sure how long the starters would play, just that they would. "I think we need to get better as a football team."
The Browns have had a rocky preseason. They've been outscored 71-37 in losing three games, and Friday against Tampa Bay trailed 27-10 after the first half.
Quarterback Robert Griffin has thrown five deep passes for 215 yards, but on his other 25 passes, he has thrown for just 67 yards.