Weeden could be back next week

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden could return by next week after spraining his right thumb in the season opener, ESPN reported Thursday.

Weeden's injury will not require surgery, which speeds up the time he will be able to return to the field.

The Browns will start Brian Hoyer at quarterback this Sunday at the Minnesota Vikings over Jason Campbell.

Coach Rob Chudzinski said Weeden will not be on a short leash when he returns, despite a 48.4 passer rating in the opener.

"I don't look at it as a leash," Chudzinski said. "These guys are developing players and they're learning how to play in this system and I expect us to keep getting better and improving."