QB Gradkowski may start finale for Browns

Dec 22, 2008 - 11:19 PM BEREA, Ohio (Ticker) -- The Cleveland Browns may be forced to start quarterback Bruce Gradkowski in their regular-season finale at Pittsburgh, coach Romeo Crennel said Monday.

Ken Dorsey suffered a rib injury and a mild concussion in last week's 14-0 loss to Cincinnati, Cleveland's fifth straight defeat.

He was replaced in the fourth quarter by Gradkowski, who completed 2-of-5 passes for eight yards with an interception.

Cleveland (4-11) already has lost Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn to season-opening injuries.

"We've been down to our third quarterback and might be down to the fourth," Crennel. "We'll have to see this week whether (Dorsey) will be available or not."

Cleveland's offense has been an unmitigated disaster as the Browns have not scored an offensive touchdown in five games.

Dorsey has started the last three games - his first significant action since 2005 - but has passed for only 374 yards while completing 47-of-93 passes.

A Pittsburgh native who played collegiately at Toledo, Gradkowski started 11 games for Tampa Bay in 2006, his rookie season. He passed for 1,661 yards and nine touchdowns.

Crennel said that if Dorsey is unable to play, the Browns will promote Richard Bartel from the practice squad to be the backup quarterback.

Running back Josh Cribbs also could be available in an emergency.