The Browns have decided to start quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday in Cincinnati. This move comes after Jameis Winston threw three more interceptions, a decision was confirmed by someone close to the situation on Tuesday.
Winston took over the starting role in October after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. However, he was benched during Sunday’s 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after his third interception in the fourth quarter, marking his eighth interception in three games.
Thompson-Robinson finished the game and will now start against the Bengals (6-8). The Browns (3-11) were off on Tuesday, and the team has not yet publicly commented on the change.
On Monday, coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned that he and his staff were reviewing their QB plans. While he did not commit to Winston, it strongly indicated that Thompson-Robinson would take over. Thompson-Robinson had started three games as a rookie in 2023.
Though Winston showed some promise by getting the Browns’ offense moving after replacing Watson, he struggled with interceptions, throwing 12 during a 2-5 record in his seven starts.
Winston passed for over 300 yards three times, including a franchise-record 497 yards and four touchdowns against Denver. But he also threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.
Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, went 1-2 in his three starts last season. In two years, he has completed 75 of 146 passes (51.4%) for 540 yards and a touchdown, with seven interceptions.
He is expected to start the final three games of the season, giving the team an opportunity to evaluate him as the future quarterback for 2025.
The Browns have high expectations for the 25-year-old and will use these remaining games to assess his development and see if he can be a contender for the starting role going forward.
After Sunday’s game, Thompson-Robinson shared his excitement about the opportunity to play more. “I’m trying to prove that I’m worth something to this team, that I can help this team in any way I can,” he said. “If I do get the opportunity, it’s going to be to show, improve, and send the rest of this team out on a high note going into next year.”
