CLEVELAND – Backup right tackle Chris Hubbard will start over injured Jack Conklin for the Cleveland Browns when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.Conklin, who was the Browns' biggest signing in free agency this winter, injured his ankle and a finger in last week's season-opening, 38-6 loss at Baltimore.
He's active to face the Bengals, but the Browns announced before the game that Chris Hubbard is starting.Hubbard started 13 games for the Browns last season.Also, the Browns will be without defensive end Olivier Vernon and rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips.Vernon, who was slowed by injuries last season, was limited in practice this week with an abdominal issue and was listed as questionable for the game.