On Monday, one day after making his first start, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was demoted to the Cleveland Browns practice squad.
Flacco started against the Los Angeles Rams and provided the Browns with some of the best quarterback play they’d seen all season. Flacco completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. A costly fourth-quarter interception ruined an otherwise strong day for the 38-year-old quarterback.
Flacco passed the eye test, and the Browns would be crazy to go back to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is still in concussion protocol, or PJ Walker.
Both quarterbacks have started games this season, but neither has been able to run the offense like Flacco and have struggled with turnovers.
Despite this, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to decide on his starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I’m not going to get into those types of things on Monday,” Stefanski stated. “We’ll work through that.”
The return of Flacco to the practice squad is simply part of the process. Veteran players can be promoted three times before being called up to the active roster.
Furthermore, the Browns can protect up to four players per week, with Flacco most likely among them. With a slew of quarterback injuries throughout the league, losing the veteran passer after a successful audition as the starter would be a setback.
Joe Flacco Wants Another Chance to Start for the Browns
Because of the interception, Flacco was irritated with himself after the game. But he also stated that he would like another shot at the starting job.
“Listen, I know I can play,” said Flacco. “I think every time you step onto the field, you’re obviously proving to yourself and other people that you can play the game, but deep down I know I can play the game, so that’s not my concern.”
“These are the games that I truly enjoy participating in.” They’re not pretty, and they’re going to be tight as the fourth quarter approaches. “I believe I excel in games that are tight and require good decision-making.”
Flacco’s performance was made even more impressive by the fact that he played the majority of the game without his top receiver, Amari Cooper. The Browns’ leading receiver suffered a concussion in the second quarter.
Trevor Lawrence may not be available for the Jaguars’ game against the Browns.
The Browns are looking to snap a two-game losing streak and may get a break when they face the Jaguars. On Monday Night Football, quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered an ankle injury against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lawrence was assisted to the locker room and is doubtful to face the Browns. If he is unable to travel, the Browns will turn to C.J. Beathard.
“We’ll see where Trevor’s at first, but we’ve got 100% confidence in C.J.,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said after the game. “He’s a seasoned player.” He’s played a lot of football, and if he’s the guy, we’ll rally behind him and support him.”
Beathard has a career record of 2-10 as a starter, with all of those starts coming with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s thrown 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his career.
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