The struggling Cleveland Browns had been relegated to starting third-string QB Ken Dorsey. Now, they might be forced to go to a fourth-stringer to lead an offense that hasn’t scored a touchdown in five games.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said during his weekly Monday press conference that Dorsey suffered a rib injury and a slight concussion in the 14-0 loss to the Bengals. The potential loss of Dorsey would mean the Browns, who have already lost Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson to season-ending injuries, would have to start Bruce Gradkowski, who was signed by the team on Dec. 2.

Crennel indicated Dorsey’s progress will be tracked during the week as the Browns determine his status. If Dorsey is out, Richard Bartel would be signed from the practice squad to serve as No. 2 quarterback.

Another option for the Browns is to use receiver and return specialist Josh Cribbs more at quarterback. Cribbs, a collegiate quarterback at Kent State, lines up behind center in certain packages for the Browns and has been taking snaps during practice. The hesitation for lining up Cribbs more at quarterback is he would be available less on returns and special teams.

“We might have to depend on Josh a little bit more,” said Crennel.