The Cleveland Browns face a major shift at quarterback as they prepare for their Week 8 divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
After losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7's 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the team has now named veteran Jameis Winston as the new starter.
Winston, who began the season as Cleveland's backup, was demoted to third-string in favor of second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. However, Thompson-Robinson sustained a finger injury after coming in for Watson during the Bengals game. According to reports, Thompson-Robinson will not require surgery but is dealing with pain and difficulty gripping the football, making him unavailable for the near future.
Bailey Zappe, recently signed off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, is expected to serve as Winston’s backup. The 30-year-old Winston will make his first start since 2022, when he played for the New Orleans Saints. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston has started 80 games in his career, boasting 22,187 passing yards, 142 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions.
As the Browns prepare to face a Ravens team that is currently on a hot streak, they do so with their season hanging in the balance. With a 1-6 record, Cleveland is in a precarious position, forced to rely on Winston behind an offensive line that has struggled all season, leading the NFL in sacks allowed and ranking among the highest in penalties.
If Winston can help rally the team and stabilize the offense, the Browns still have a glimmer of hope to salvage what has been a disappointing season so far.
