Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Browns tap Bailey Zappe for finale; 40th starting QB since 1999

At the end of another unproductive season, the Cleveland Browns will turn to their fourth starting quarterback of the year and their 40th since 1999.

The Browns on Thursday named Bailey Zappe their starter for the season finale Saturday at the Baltimore Ravens.

Cleveland (3-13) has lost five straight games as Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson had turns under center. Winston took over for Week 1 starter Deshaun Watson, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in October. Winston suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder, paving the way for the Browns to test out Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round draft pick in 2023.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Thompson-Robinson will also get some playing time Saturday.

The Browns’ injury report showed that Thompson-Robinson (calf) practiced in full Thursday after being limited Tuesday and Wednesday. Winston was limited each day and is officially questionable.

Nevertheless, the team will turn to Zappe, who has yet to play in a game this season after beginning his career with the New England Patriots (2022-23).

In 14 career games (eight starts) in New England, Zappe threw for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. When the Patriots waived him in August, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, off which the Browns claimed him in October. He was signed to Cleveland’s active roster Dec. 3.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Browns staying with Jameis Winston as QB1 despite no playoffs

The Cleveland Browns have no mathematical chance to make the playoffs, but their focus remains on winning games rather than evaluating talent on the bench, according to coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Browns will keep Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback this week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs, Stefanski said Monday.

With Deshaun Watson lost for the season due to a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the alternative to Winston would be to start 2023 fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who made three starts during his rookie campaign.

“Our focus right now is just trying to find ways to get a win,” Stefanski said, throwing cold water on the idea that the Browns might give Thompson-Robinson late-season game reps.

The Browns (3-10) were 1-6 in Watson’s seven starts and have beaten the division rival Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers since Winston took over. But they were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday when the Steelers got revenge in a 27-14 win over visiting Cleveland.

Winston, 30, has thrown for 1,975 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions across 11 games (six starts) this season. Thompson-Robinson got into three games earlier this year and went 11-for-25 passing for 82 yards and two interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) attempts a pass during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Report: Browns to start QB Jameis Winston vs. Ravens

The Cleveland Browns are counting on Jameis Winston to start at quarterback at home on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

He will replace Deshaun Watson, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon when he appeared to hyperextend his leg on a non-contact play last Sunday in the team’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns were 1-6 under Watson.

After the injury, the Browns turned to second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and he suffered a finger injury in the fourth quarter.

With Watson out for the season and Thompson-Robinson’s availability uncertain, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on Tuesday.

Winston, 30, was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. After starting the first five seasons for Tampa Bay, he spent four seasons in a backup role with the New Orleans Saints before signing a one-year deal with the Browns.

He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Winston has appeared in 98 games (80 starts) with a 34-46-0 record as a starter. He has a career 61.1 percent completion percentage, throwing for 22,187 yards with 142 TDs and 99 interceptions.

Against the AFC North-leading Ravens (5-2), Winston will become the 39th starting quarterback for the Browns since their return to Cleveland in 1999, when No. 1 overall draft pick Tim Couch manned the position.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) scrambles in the backfield in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Browns hold QB cards close to vest

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski wants to sleep on his decision at quarterback before making the choice for Week 14 public.

The TBD atop the depth chart was needed after rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was able to practice on Friday, his first in two weeks since suffering a concussion at Denver last month. Veteran Joe Flacco, who started last Sunday’s game, also is in contention to start.

“Both guys practiced this week,” Stefanski said Friday. “Both guys practiced well, and I have faith in both guys, but not going to name a starter.”

The Browns host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

The Jaguars are in a similar — yet different — spot with their own starting quarterback, unnamed as of Friday afternoon. Trevor Lawrence is recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered in Monday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was limited in practice Thursday and Friday and wants to play in the game for Jacksonville (8-4), one of three AFC South teams currently in the seven-team playoff picture in the conference.

But head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence is “probably” a game-time decision, one that will include medical personnel and could go down to the hours before kickoff in Ohio.

Stefanski said the quarterback he doesn’t start on Sunday would be the backup, with PJ Walker acting as the No. 3.

Flacco didn’t look uncomfortable last week in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Pressed into the starting role 14 days after signing with the team as a street free agent, Flacco had the Browns driving for the go-ahead score, trailing 20-19 in the fourth quarter, when he threw an interception.

His most recent start at Cleveland came last season, when he led the New York Jets to a 31-30 victory over the Browns in Week 2.

Thompson-Robinson lost two of his three starts this season, guiding the Browns to a Week 11 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers but losing to the Baltimore Ravens and Broncos.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) scrambles in the backfield in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson returns to practice

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson returned to practice on Wednesday, taking the field for the first time since suffering a concussion Nov. 26.

Thompson-Robinson remains in concussion protocol and last played in a game when he exited the 29-12 loss to the Denver Browns in the third quarter.

The Browns (7-5) return home Sunday in the midst of a two-game losing streak to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4).

Joe Flacco operated the first-team offense in Wednesday’s practice on the heels of his start in last week’s loss to the Rams in Los Angeles.

Flacco, 1-11 in his past 12 starts, is the fourth quarterback to start a game for the Browns this season. He was intercepted with Cleveland trailing 20-19 midway through the fourth quarter last week, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said Flacco “did a nice job” under the circumstances 12 days after joining the team.

Stefanski is holding the starter designation close to the vest for now, saying Wednesday “we’ll see how it goes” with Thompson-Robinson returning to the field but not fully cleared.

The Jaguars lost at home on Monday facing another AFC North backup quarterback, Jake Browning and the Bengals, and enter Week 14 with doubt about their starting quarterback. Trevor Lawrence has a high-ankle sprain and did not practice Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) on the sidelines during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco named Browns backup QB, gets first-team reps

The Cleveland Browns confirmed Wednesday that Joe Flacco is the primary backup quarterback and will get the start this week if Dorian Thompson-Robinson is unable to clear concussion protocol.

Flacco, 38, took the first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice after Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the move. The Browns (7-4) visit the Los Angeles Rams (5-6) on Sunday.

Flacco, who has played in 183 games (180 starts), last played — and started — in a Week 17 game for the New York Jets early last January.

Thompson-Robinson exited late in the third quarter of last week’s game against the host Denver Browns with a concussion and was replaced by P.J. Walker.

The Browns signed Flacco to the practice squad last week in the wake of Deshuan Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury.

Flacco appeared in five games (four starts) with the New York Jets last season. He threw for 1,051 yards with five touchdowns and three picks.

Flacco has amassed 42,320 yards through the air with 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions for the Baltimore Ravens (2008-18), Denver Broncos (2019) and Jets (2020-22).

Flacco led Baltimore to a Super Bowl in 2013 and was named MVP as the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) looks to pass as guard Wyatt Teller (77) defends against Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (head) ruled out vs. Broncos

Cleveland Browns rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson exited late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the host Denver Browns with a concussion.

Thompson-Robinson was ruled out for the game later in the fourth quarter.

P.J. Walker came on to replace Thompson-Robinson, who was injured after Denver linebacker Baron Browning hit the quarterback up high as he released the ball. Browning was flagged for roughing the passer.

Thompson completed 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards. He also tossed his first career NFL touchdown with a 2-yard pass to tight end Harrison Bryant with 6:42 remaining in the third quarter.

–Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Browns’ Dorian Thompson-Robinson to start, Deshaun Watson out

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson makes his first career start on Sunday at Baltimore after Deshaun Watson was ruled out due to a sore right shoulder, per multiple reports.

Watson was questionable all week and hoped to get the green light after a pregame workout, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski to delay the decision on his starting quarterback until gameday.

Largely an observer at Friday’s practice, Watson still claimed he would be ready to lead the Browns (2-1) against the Ravens (2-1).

Thompson-Robinson took more than 90 percent of the first-team reps on Thursday and Friday. He said he would be ready if his number is called.

“I’m ready for it. Very confident in my preparation for it the week,” Thompson-Robinson said.

Watson has four touchdown passes, two interceptions and two fumbles lost in three games this season.

Thompson-Robinson completed 63.8 percent of his passes (37 of 58) with two touchdown passes and had 69 rushing yards in the preseason.

The Browns drafted Thompson-Robinson with the 140th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He was a five-year starter at UCLA.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) escapes from Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) during the second quarter in Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

Deshaun Watson claims he’s ready, Browns list him as questionable

Dorian Thompson-Robinson ran the Browns’ offense most of the past two days in practice, but Deshaun Watson insists he will start when Cleveland visits the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Watson is questionable with a shoulder injury and clearly was impacted in Friday’s session during which he largely watched his rookie backup operate with the first-team offense. Watson threw only two passes during the practice before talking to trainers.

Defensive end Myles Garrett said Friday “knowing him, he’s a baller. We think he’ll play.”

Thompson-Robinson said he’ll be ready if his number is called.

“I’m ready for it. Very confident in my preparation for it the week,” Thompson-Robinson said.

Watson has four touchdown passes, two interceptions and two fumbles lost in three games this season.

–Field Level Media