BEREA, Ohio -- Third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer will start for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in place of injured Brandon Weeden, who sprained his right thumb last week and could be sidelined for several games.

First-year coach Rob Chudzinski surprisingly decided to start Hoyer over more experienced backup Jason Campbell. Hoyer had been listed as Cleveland's third-string quarterback since training camp opened and was inactive for the first two regular-season games.

"I feel like based on our current situation -- where we're at offensively as well as getting into the game planning for Minnesota -- that Brian's strengths are the best fit for this week and that he gives us our best chance to win," Chudzinski said. "The things that he does well fit what we need. For me, it's about who gives us the best chance to win."

In a stunning move later Wednesday, the Browns traded running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round pick.

Chudzinski did not commit to giving the starting job to Weeden when he returns from injury.

"I'm going to leave all the options open," Chudzinski said. "Really, it's a matter of where he's at from a health standpoint and all that plays into it and where we're at and how guys are playing, as well."

When he was Cleveland's offensive coordinator in 2007, Chudzinski oversaw the benching of starter Charlie Frye after the opener for Derek Anderson. The change sparked the Browns, who finished 10-6.

Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas called Hoyer leap-frogging Campbell on the depth chart "unusual." Hoyer will be the 19th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999.

Weeden injured his thumb when he banged it on the helmet of teammate John Greco during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 14-6 loss to Baltimore. The second-year player will visit a hand specialist on Thursday and should get a better sense of how long he will be out.