Shaw (thumb) was placed on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The decision isn't surprising after Shaw required surgery on his right thumb that will necessitate multiple weeks of recovery time. Shaw's dismissal from the competition for third quarterback duties opens the door for either Thaddeus Lewis or Pat Devlin to claim the role, should coach Mike Pettine elect to keep three signal callers.

Shaw will undergo thumb surgery that will hold him out an extended period of time.

Shaw, who was 5 of 10 passing for 64 yards in the preseason opener Thursday, unfortunately suffered a major thumb injury as well. He may wind up on IR for the season, but the team won't know until after the procedure. Even when healthy, it's unlikely the young quarterback will challenge for anything more than a backup role.

Shaw completed 14-of-28 passes for 177 yards and two turnovers (one interception and one fumble) during Sunday's loss to the Ravens.

Shaw got the start with both Brian Hoyer (shoulder) and Johnny Manziel (hamstring) sidelined, and while his stats weren't prolific, he was in control for the most part. Nevertheless, he isn't likely to be the starter next season, even with numerous questions under center in Cleveland.

Shaw was officially promoted from the practice squad Saturday, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland reports.

The move is essentially a formality at this point, as coach Mike Pettine confirmed Friday that Shaw ill start Week 17 against the Ravens. The rookie out of South Carolina has worked with the practice squad for most of the season but will be thrust into action given injuries to Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer. Recently signed journeyman Tyler Thigpen will serve as the backup.

Coach Mike Pettine confirmed Friday that Shaw will start Sunday's game against the Ravens, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

With Johnny Manziel on IR and Brian Hoyer listed as doubtful for the contest, Shaw will draw the start in the Browns' season finale. He's only a fantasy option for those scrambling for QB help in Week 17, given his lack of NFL game experience.

Shaw has taken the Browns' first-team QB snaps this week, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Fellow QB Brian Hoyer, who didn't practice or throw Tuesday or Wednesday, hopes to throw Friday, but if he is unable to go Sunday against the Ravens, the Browns would presumably turn to Shaw, with Tyler Thigpen on hand in a backup capacity.

Shaw took all of the first team reps at practice Tuesday, Northeast Ohio Media Group reports.

The rookie out of South Carolina will be elevated from the practice squad and appears to be the favorite to start Sunday's game against Baltimore. Coach Mike Pettine said Brian Hoyer (shoulder), who did not practice Tuesday, would be "down" as of now, but a final decision won't come until later in the week.

The Browns are expected to promote Shaw from their practice squad to the team's active roster, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

With Brian Hoyer reportedly day-to-day with a right shoulder injury and Johnny Manziel having suffered a pulled hamstring Sunday, there's even a chance that Shaw may be called upon to start the Browns' season finale against the Ravens on Sunday.