Playing quarterback for the Cleveland Browns is proving a challenging, and short-term, job this season.

Cody Kessler, starting because of injuries to Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown, left Sunday’s 33-13 loss to New England after hurting his ribs and chest in the first quarter.

Kessler was hurt when hit on a backward pass that went out of the end zone, giving the Patriots a safety.

That brought in veteran backup Charlie Whitehurst, and he hobbled to the sideline in the final minutes after hyperextending his right knee. That left Terrelle Pryor at quarterback until Whitehurst returned for the final seconds.

The Vikings, the NFL’s last undefeated team, had their own woes on an already banged-up offensive line. Right guard and Seneca Valley graduate Brandon Fusco left with a concussion on the first drive of the game, leaving the unit without three starters.