Browns' struggling offense looking to build momentum in final preseason game against Bears

FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2014, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon rests during practice at the NFL football team's training campin Berea, Ohio. Gordon has been suspended by the NFL one year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Gordon's suspension is effective immediately and he will miss the entire 2014 season. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and teammates Shea McClellin and Charles Leno (72) walk off the field after a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 34-6. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) (The Associated Press)

On the eve of their final exhibition game, the Browns had denial turn into reality.

They won't have star wide receiver Josh Gordon at all this season, and it's time to figure out how they're going to replace all he gives them.

Gordon's indefinite suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy was upheld on Wednesday, leaving the Browns (0-3) without their top playmaker. That's devastating for Cleveland's offense, which has struggled during the preseason and enters Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears looking to gain some confidence.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer will start and is expected to play most of the first quarter as Cleveland's first-team offense tries to get its act together.

The Bears (2-1) are hoping for a better performance on defense after being routed 34-6 by the Super Bowl champion Seahawks last week.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL