Connor Shaw could miss NFL season after thumb injury

Connor Shaw will need surgery on a broken right thumb suffered in Cleveland’s Thursday preseason loss to the Washington Redskins.

The Browns announced the injury Sunday. “He is expected to miss an extended period of time,” the team said in a statement.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group reported that Shaw was unsure exactly how and when the injury happened. Shaw could be placed on the injured reserve list and miss the season, according to the report.

“I feel for Connor because he has worked extremely hard,” said Browns head coach Mike Pettine. “He's a competitor and has had a great offseason and a good camp so far. He is good for the quarterback room and it's unfortunate that this injury won't allow him to compete.”

Shaw was listed behind Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel on the team’s depth chart, but the Browns are high on the former South Carolina star, who showed toughness and potential in the 2014 season finale against Baltimore. Filling in for an injured Manziel, Shaw completed 14 of 28 passes for 177 yards against the playoff-bound Ravens. He finished the game despite a dislocated finger and bruised kidney.

In Thursday night’s preseason opener, Shaw was 5-of-10 passing for 64 yards against Washington. He led three drives, with one ending in a field goal. His longest completions went for 23 and 22 yards.

The loss of Shaw moves veteran Thad Lewis into Cleveland’s No. 3 quarterback role. The Browns also have Terrelle Pryor, who is trying to make the switch from quarterback to wide receiver. The Browns have no immediate plans to sign another quarterback.

This story was originally published August 15, 2015 at 11:13 PM with the headline "Connor Shaw could miss NFL season after thumb injury."