Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start at quarterback again when the Cleveland Browns play the Denver Broncos on Sunday, according to Browns head coach Kevin Stepanski.
Thompson-Robinson, 24, went 24-for-43 for 165 yards and an interception in Cleveland’s 13-10 Week 11 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns improved to 7-3 with the victory, which came just days after it was announced that Deshaun Watson would miss the rest of the season due to a fractured shoulder.
Four of Thompson-Robinson’s 24 completions came on the game-winning drive, which set up Dustin Hopkins’ 34-yard field goal.
“Those are big moments when you need your guy to come through.” After the win, Stefanski said of Thompson-Robinson, “He came through.” “It wasn’t always perfect. But he delivered when it counted.”
Following the news of Watson’s injury, the Browns worked out and later signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to join P.J. Walker in the quarterback room. Thompson-Robinson learned he’d be starting against the Steelers on his 24th birthday last Tuesday night, giving him plenty of time to prepare for his second career NFL start without wondering if the team would instead turn to the 38-year-old Flacco.
“They believed in me, they trusted me, and I trusted my teammates,” Thompson-Robinson said of the Cleveland Browns. “The most important thing I kept telling myself throughout the game was to stay disciplined and take it one play at a time.” I’ve been working my tail off, and I’m just grateful that my teammates were there to support me.”
Flacco will play a “supporting role”
Flacco last started an NFL game in Week 18 with the New York Jets, and he only appeared in five games during the 2022 season, with one start since September 25, 2022.
P.J. Walker, who has started two games for the Browns this season, is available if Thompson-Robinson struggles. Stefanski stated that Flacco’s role is to help mentor the team’s two younger quarterbacks.
“Joe’s role is to provide support to this team,” Stefanski explained. “We were able to bring in someone with a lot of experience.” He’ll be great for that [quarterback] room and for this team.”
The Browns have won five of their last six games and are one game behind the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens.
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