The Cleveland Browns aren’t making a change at quarterback.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Dorian Thompson-Robinson would start under center for Cleveland in Week 12 after his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11.
Thompson-Robinson wasn’t electric in the 13-10 win over the Steelers, but he played well enough to deliver the win. He completed 55.8 percent of his passes for 165 yards, no touchdowns and one interception with 20 rushing yards. Thompson-Robinson also led the Browns’ late scoring drive at the end of the game, including multiple first-down passes in clutch situations. His play put kicker Dustin Hopkins in prime position to kick the game-winning field goal and deliver another tight Browns win.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson Week 11 Every Drop-back, Pass and Run Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers NFL 2023
DTR threw for 165 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT.
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This decision also came in light of the addition of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who will join the Browns practice squad with the expectation to be elevated to the active roster. Flacco wasn’t signed to become the starter, though, and Stefanski reiterated that notion Monday and affirmed Flacco’s role is mainly as a mentor on the sideline.
“Joe’s role is to support this team,” Stefanski said Monday. “Coming in here, we’re able to add a guy with a ton of experience. He’ll be great for that room. He’ll be great for this team.”
Why the need for a veteran presence on the sideline when Deshaun Watson is on the roster? Watson actually won’t be around the team often while he rehabs from his shoulder surgery, according to Cleveland.com’s May Kay Cabot. Watson will be in Los Angeles for his surgery this week and will reportedly remain there for part of his recovery, so the Browns don’t want or expect him to fly back to Cleveland anytime soon.
So while Thompson-Robinson will be the starter, Flacco will be a pseudo player-coach for the rookie passer for the remainder of the season. And, if need be, Flacco could play under center if disaster strikes one way or another.
For now, though, it’s DTR all the way as the Browns careen towards a possible postseason push.
