On both sides of Sunday’s game between the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars, there is quarterback uncertainty.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a rookie, is out of concussion protocol and practiced on Friday, leaving the team with a choice between him and NFL veteran Joe Flacco. On Thursday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that the team will not name a starter.
“You don’t have to is probably the best way to put it,” Stefanski said when asked why no formal choice had been made.
Following a high-ankle sprain suffered in Monday night’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be a game-time decision for the Jaguars.
Deshaun Watson was the Browns’ starting quarterback until he fractured his shoulder in a win over the Baltimore Ravens, necessitating surgery. As a result, both Thompson-Robinson and veteran backup P.J. Walker saw action.
Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, started both losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, suffering a concussion in the latter. Overall, he went 1-2 in starts, leading the Browns to a game-winning field goal drive in a 13-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 19.
Flacco signed with the Browns shortly after the victory and made his starting debut against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Flacco, who won the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards on Sunday. In the 36-19 loss, he had two touchdown passes and an interception in the fourth quarter.
Whoever starts on Sunday will be without wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was placed in concussion protocol during the Rams game. Both quarterbacks have stated that they are prepared for either outcome.
“I think anytime you get a little taste of playing football, you want to keep that going for as long as possible,” Flacco said when asked about the starting job.
Thompson-Robinson stated that if he is chosen, he will be prepared.
“I’m ready to go if it’s me, if my number’s called,” Thompson-Robinson told ESPN on Friday.
Despite the quarterback issues, the Browns are still in the playoff hunt at 7-5 on the season.
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