Brian Hoyer has surgery, full recovery expected by NFL Draft

The Browns should know where they stand at quarterback before the draft -- Brian Hoyer had surgery on his knee and full recovery is expected by April.

Browns starting quarterback Brian Hoyer underwent a successful ACL repair Friday and is expected to be recovered in roughly five months.

Hoyer, who led the Browns to two wins after taking over for Brandon Weeden, suffered the injury in a Thursday night game against the Bills. It was not a full ACL tear and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Hoyer is signed through 2014 -- he has a salary of $1 million for next season -- and the Browns are likely to draft a quarterback in the first round next spring but remain high on Hoyer, as well.

He could become a trade chip should the Browns find an immediate starting quarterback in the draft. Weeden, a first-round pick of a prior regime there, is not seen as a part of the club's long-term plans, according to various sources.