After weeks of Cleveland Browns fans and analysts calling for a change at the quarterback position, the franchise will indeed have a new starter on Sunday.
The Browns’ starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was injured during the team’s 21-14 loss to Cincinnati last week, suffering a torn Achilles that will require season-ending surgery.
Cleveland’s backup last Sunday – Dorian Thompson-Robinson – was also injured during the Browns loss to their AFC North foes, suffering a finger injury that insider Tony Grossi believes will sideline him for multiple weeks.
That leaves the newly-acquired Bailey Zappe and veteran Jameis Winston as the team’s only other options heading into the Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported late Tuesday on X that the Browns have decided which of those two players will start Sunday’s contest against Baltimore.
“Sources: The Browns plan to start Jameis Winston at QB vs the Ravens in Week 8, with Deshaun Watson out for the rest of the season,” Schultz reported on X.
Sources: The #Browns plan to start Jameis Winston at QB vs the #Ravens in Week 8, with Deshaun Watson out for the rest of the season.
My understanding is Dorian Thompson-Robinson was Watson’s backup on Sunday strictly from a gameplan standpoint. pic.twitter.com/2jTgSpkxlF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 23, 2024
The report also noted why Winston was not the backup to Watson against Cincinnati after having served as the team’s No. 2 option all season before playing the Bengals.
Schultz noted that Thompson-Robinson was installed as Watson’s backup “strictly from a gameplan standpoint” and not because there was an internal issue with Winston.
Cleveland announced Zappe’s addition to the 53-man roster on Tuesday after having signed him off Kansas City’s practice squad.
The Browns must keep Zappe active on the roster for at least three weeks, according to Grossi.
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