Jameis Winston will take over as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns when they play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. This move comes after both Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered injuries during the Browns’ recent loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. While Watson is out for the season due to a torn Achilles, Thompson-Robinson’s finger injury is less severe, and he will practice this week, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski made the announcement about Winston’s start on Wednesday, expressing faith in the veteran quarterback. Winston, who has been in the NFL for 10 years, is eager to prove his worth in the starting role. He has extensive experience, with 80 career starts since being drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015. Winston sees this as an opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success after stepping in for the injured Thompson-Robinson last week.
Another significant change for the Browns will be on the sidelines, as Stefanski has handed over playcalling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. This marks the first time Stefanski won’t call plays since taking over as head coach in 2020. Stefanski said the team needs to improve offensively and feels Dorsey, who has previous playcalling experience with the Buffalo Bills, is the right person to make adjustments moving forward.
The Browns are facing a tough season, currently standing at 1-6, and struggling offensively, failing to score 20 points in any of their seven games. Watson’s Achilles injury, his second consecutive season-ending injury, adds to the team’s woes. In response to their quarterback crisis, Cleveland also signed Bailey Zappe from the Chiefs’ practice squad to provide additional depth behind Winston.
For Winston, this upcoming game represents a chance to return to a starting role after a year. His last start was in September 2022 with the New Orleans Saints. Winston briefly led the Browns offense at the end of their game against the Bengals, guiding the team on a 12-play drive that ended with a touchdown pass to David Njoku. This Sunday, he will become the 38th quarterback to start for Cleveland since 2000, more than any other NFL team.
