Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch broke his right leg Sunday against Atlanta and will miss the playoffs.

Couch, whose season included an emotional breakdown and some unforgettable comebacks, was injured on the first play of the second quarter in Cleveland’s 24-16 victory. Kelly Holcomb replaced him and is the new Browns’ starter.

“It’s frustrating,” Couch said. “This is what I’ve worked for my whole life and to get hurt is frustrating, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

The No. 1 overall draft pick in 1999, Couch has been a target of fan abuse in Cleveland all season because of his inconsistent play. Before getting hurt, he was 7-for-11 for 68 yards but threw an interception deep in Atlanta territory.

Holcomb started the Browns’ first two games this season while Couch was recovering from an elbow injury. Holcomb then broke a leg and missed time.

Couch finished the regular season with 18 TD passes and 21 interceptions, completing a career-high 273 passes in 443 attempts for 2,842 yards.

“I’m so happy for my teammates,” he said. “I’m going to be the biggest cheerleader this team has.”

Tennessee defensive end Jevon Kearse left the Titans’ game at Houston after re-aggravating a left foot injury that cost him most of the season.

X-rays were negative, but coach Jeff Fisher said Kearse did not return for precautionary reasons and because the foot was sore.

“He’s going to be OK,” Fisher said.

Kearse, the Titans’ menacing pass rusher, missed all but two plays of the first 13 games this season with a broken left foot before returning this month.

Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell missed the Jaguars’ game against Indianapolis with a strained right hamstring and was replaced by rookie David Garrard.

Brunell was injured last week against Tennessee.

Pro Bowl linebacker Junior Seau, bothered by an ankle injury for most of the season, was inactive for San Diego’s home game against Seattle. Seahawks LB Orlando Huff dislocated his left elbow in the fourth quarter.

It was the third game Seau missed this season. He originally sprained his ankle on Sept. 22 at Arizona. In subsequent weeks he overcompensated for his ankle injury, leading to a strained foot.

Wide receiver Curtis Conway (shoulder) also was inactive for the Chargers.