CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns have released veteran quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who became the fifth QB to play for them this season before he got hurt Sunday.

Whitehurst injured his left knee in the final minutes of a 33-13 loss to New England. The team reached an injury settlement with him before letting him go.

The longtime backup came in after rookie Cody Kessler suffered an injury to his ribs and chest in the first quarter. The Browns have already had three starting QBs in five games, and including wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, they’ve had five take snaps this season.

Kessler’s status for Sunday’s game at Tennessee is unclear. Josh McCown, who broke his collarbone in Week 2, is expected to practice for the first time in a month on Wednesday and could face the Titans.

The team also signed rookie QB Kevin Hogan from the practice squad to the active roster.

___

Online:

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

FILE – In this Oct. 9, 2016, file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Whitehurst passes against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game, in Cleveland. The pain is only intensifying for the Browns. They had two more quarterbacks injured in Sunday’s loss to New England and while there has been some sign of improvement under coach Hue Jackson, Cleveland is 0-5 and headed toward another dismal season. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_112937102-38d46ddf012147ecb76d0c21354466d2.jpgFILE – In this Oct. 9, 2016, file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Whitehurst passes against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game, in Cleveland. The pain is only intensifying for the Browns. They had two more quarterbacks injured in Sunday’s loss to New England and while there has been some sign of improvement under coach Hue Jackson, Cleveland is 0-5 and headed toward another dismal season. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Whitehurst rolls out to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_112937102-6f04ec9087f74c2c88b066c211f2b49c.jpgCleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Whitehurst rolls out to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (15) celebrates a touchdown catch against the New England Patriots in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_112937102-4dfe95bd660b4b1f9705a4b1d7dc7633.jpgCleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (15) celebrates a touchdown catch against the New England Patriots in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)