Browns To Start Dorian Thompson-Robinson Against Steelers

With Deshaun Watson out for the seasons, the Browns are putting their trust in rookie Dorain Thompson-Robinson to captain their offense in Week 11

The Dorian-Thompson Robinson era is beginning sooner than expected for the Browns.

As news of Deshaun Watson's season-ending shoulder injury makes waves around the NFL and threatens a promising season, the Browns brass officially named the fifth-round rookie their starting quarterback ahead of a key Week 11 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kevin Stefanski announced the decision as team returned to practice on Wednesday.

 "Every week you're trying to just make the best decisions for you team," Stefanski said of the decision. "I want to give him a week where he knows he's the starter and gets a whole week of preparation."

Back in Week 4, Thompson-Robinson was thrust into the starting quarterback role after Watson was deemed inactive due to a rotator cuff contusion. It was a forgettable NFL debut for the UCLA product, who completed 19-of-32 passes for 121 yards and three interceptions in a 28-3 loss to the Ravens. The rookie later revealed that he was told at 10:30 that morning that he was going to be starting.

When the Browns returned to action in Week 6 after a bye week and Watson still wasn't able to play, they pivoted, naming former XFL quarterback, P.J. Walker the team's starter. He proceeded to start for Cleveland for three out of the next four games, even relieving Watson in Week 7, after he returned to the field prematurely, and orchestrated a 39-38 win over the Colts.

Now, the team is pivoting again, going back to Thompson-Robinson seven weeks after that initial start that didn't quite go his way. 

"That was a tough spot that he was in. This week having a full week of preparation knowing he's going to be the starter I think is important. Every backup will tell you they have to be ready to go. After the first play, the second play, if the starter needs a shoelace you have to be ready to go. He's prepared himself all season. Just felt like this was the best decision for the team."

Stefanski mentioned that the UCLA product was presented a scout-team game ball ahead of the Ravens game – a testament to the hard work he's put in to improve upon his first start. As he and the team turn the page on Watson for 2023, their preaching confidence in Thompson-Robinson's willingness to learn throughout his rookie campaign. 

"I would hope all of our players learn from every opportunity whether your start or don't. Whether you get 10 plays or 60 plays. I think you take learning experiences from every rep.

"Young players need exposure. Sometimes you get better through practice, sometimes you get better through games."