If rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains in concussion protocol, the Cleveland Browns will start veteran Joe Flacco at quarterback this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.
Flacco, 38, would be the Browns’ fourth starting quarterback this season, something the team hasn’t done since going 4-12 in 2008. It had only happened once before in franchise history, during the 1988 season, when they made the playoffs with a 10-6 record before falling to the Houston Oilers in the AFC wild-card game, 24-23.
If Flacco returns to the field, they will hope to overcome these injury issues and achieve something similar to what they did 35 years ago. Cleveland is 7-4 and third in the AFC North, which is fiercely competitive.
Deshaun Watson’s
After missing the first 11 games of last season due to a league suspension, it was expected that Watson would play more than he did in his first season in Cleveland. However, a rotator cuff injury in his throwing arm in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans ended those hopes.
Despite returning in Week 7 and playing in Weeks 9 and 10, he eventually had season-ending shoulder surgery. That means he played six games in 2023, the same number he did the previous year.
Thompson-Robinson, Dorian
With Watson out for Week 4, Thompson-Robinson stepped in hours before kickoff to make his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens. He had a rough start, throwing three interceptions in a 28-3 loss.
Following a Week 5 bye week, PJ Walker took his place for their next game. However, after Watson’s surgery, the rookie who impressed enough in preseason to beat out Josh Dobbs for a roster spot got another chance to start. Thompson-Robinson started the previous two games for Cleveland, but he left the last one with a concussion and is questionable for Week 13.
Walker, PJ
The practice squad signee first made the active roster in Week 4 and started the following week against the San Francisco 49ers. Walker led them to a surprise 19-17 victory, but he was replaced the following week by the returning Watson.
He was on hand, however, to replace his starter, who left the game early, and led Cleveland to a last-second victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He was quickly signed to the active roster and returned to the game in Week 8, but he is now the third-string quarterback behind Thompson-Robinson and…
Flacco, Joe
The veteran has been taking snaps in practice just over a week after signing with the Browns, and head coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed Flacco has moved up to second on the depth chart. While he has not played since Week 18 of last season for the New York Jets, if Thompson-Robinson, who did not practice Wednesday, is unable to recover in time, Super Bowl XLVII champion and MVP Joe Flacco will make his fifth franchise debut Sunday night, a month and a half before turning 39.
Leave a Reply