Hughes will start at defensive end Sunday against the Raiders with Desmond Bryant (shoulder) inactive.

Hughes has already collected five combined tackles and 1.5 sacks this season, but should see an even higher volume of snaps Sunday afternoon. Xavier Cooper will also be available to provide defensive end depth, but Cleveland brass seemingly felt more comfortable giving the veteran the starting nod.

Hughes has agreed to a four-year, $14.4 million extension with the Browns, NFL.com reports.

Hughes managed just 17 tackles last season and only played five games, but apparently Cleveland has seen enough during his three-year stint with the team to pursue an extension. Expect Hughes to receive a more important role in the Browns' defensive front heading into next season.

Hughes is listed as the starting nose tackle for Sunday's matchup against Baltimore, ESPN's Tony Grossi reports.

Hughes should see a high volume of snaps, as regular starter Ahytba Rubin (ankle) is inactive for the contest. He hasn't seen the field since Week 8, but injuries will thrust the 26-year-old defensive tackle into a much more prominent role. Hughes will likely be used primarily as a run-stuffer, limiting his potential to rack up tackles, and thus his IDP value. He's collected just 10 combined tackles over four games this season.

Browns third-rounder John Hughes has been elevated to the first team next to Ahtyba Rubin.

Veteran Scott Paxson had spent the offseason and early camp running with the first team. It's a good sign that Hughes, a pick questioned by the draftnik community, is impressing the coaching staff as Phil Taylor's (pectoral) early-season replacement. The Browns defense will remain a godsend for opposing fantasy backs, however.

The Akron Beacon-Journal considers third-round rookie John Hughes the front-runner for a starting defensive tackle job.

Phil Taylor (pectoral) is out indefinitely, leaving a sizable hole next to Ahtyba Rubin. Scott Paxson ran with the starters for most of minicamp, but he's just a backup-caliber journeyman. GM Tom Heckert sees Hughes as a run-stuffer.

The Browns have been impressed with third-round pick DT John Hughes during OTAs.

The Browns drafted Hughes with the idea of using him as a rotational tackle, but with Phil Taylor (torn pectoral) expected to start the season on PUP, either Hughes or Billy Winn will be forced to start alongside Ahtyba Rubin. Browns GM Tom Heckert indicated he doesn't feel compelled to sign a veteran to upgrade the position.

Browns agreed to terms with No. 87 overall pick DT John Hughes on a four-year contract.