Browns quarterback Griffin out after shoulder fracture

Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III will miss at least eight games after fracturing a shoulder during his team's opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the club announced Monday.

Griffin, 26, aiming to relaunch his career this season after being released by the Washington Redskins, has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken coracoid bone in his left shoulder during Sunday's defeat.

"It's very unfortunate, Robert came in and has worked extremely hard to learn our offense and earn the respect of his teammates," Browns coach Hue Jackson said.

"This is a tough loss because everyone has seen how invested he has been in this team and his dedication to the work needed to improve his craft.

"We all know these are the realities of the NFL, injuries occur and you have to find ways to overcome them so they don't impede your progress."

Griffin's injury means Cleveland will turn to Josh McCown as starting quarterback.

Griffin completed 12 of 26 passes for 190 yards against the Eagles on Sunday.

However he was outshone by the Eagles' rookie quarterback Carson Wentz -- who Cleveland passed on in the draft. Wentz completed 22 of 37 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns.