Connor Shaw to start for Browns vs. Ravens

The Browns have just announced that they will be starting rookie quarterback Connor Shaw for their regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. The news comes after it was discovered that Brian Hoyer is dealing with a shoulder injury and Johnny Manziel is on injured reserve.

Shaw got the start over recently-signed Tyler Thigpen in this contest.

The call for Shaw starting could have an impact for the AFC Wildcard playoff race, as Baltimore needs a win over Shaw and the Browns, while also needing the Chargers to lose against a Kansas City Chiefs team without Alex Smith.

The Browns, on the other hand, won't be playing for anything overly significant – other than their first time winning eight games since 2007 (and the second time since the 1994 season).

Shaw provides an interesting prospect for the Browns outside of Johnny Manziel following a very successful college career at South Carolina. This will be his first opportunity to showcase his ability in the 2014 regular season. His only time on an NFL field otherwise was this preseason, in which he gave solid performances.

The Ravens' pass defense ranks 28th leading into this game, so it wouldn't be completely unexpected if Shaw has a successful first outing.