With Dorian Thompson-Robinson In Concussion Protocol, Browns Name Backup QB

As the Browns begin preparations for a key matchup with the Rams in Week 13, it's unclear who will be starting at QB as rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains sidelined

Mystery has clouded the Browns quarterback position for long stretches of the season. That's the case again heading into Week 13 with rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson still in the NFL's concussion protocol as practices began out in Los Angeles.

While the team waits for updates on the fifth-round pick, head coach Kevin Stefanski did provide at least a little clarity on the quarterback depth chart, naming recently signed veteran, Joe Flacco the team's backup QB. That means if DTR is unable to play, the 38-year-old would be the first man up to captain Cleveland's offense.

Using context clues, it appears the starting job technically still belongs to Thompson-Robinson and Flacco would is only slated to start if he's unable to suit up.

"No reason to make any decisions [on a starter] just yet," Stefanski said Wednesday. We'll see how it goes." 

Flacco was added to the Browns practice squad a mere 10 days ago and has spent his first week-plus with the team getting acclimated. He was present on the sideline during the team's loss to Denver this past Sunday, but hasn't yet been promoted to the active roster.  

 "No different than a lot of the pros that you bring in, whether it's a lineman or a quarterback or a defensive back," Stefanski said of Flacco's acclimation period. "You spend a lot of time in meeting rooms. You spend a lot of time with your coaches to get get ramped. Joe has done a nice job of that." 

In regards to how Thompson-Robinson is progressing through the concussion protocol, Stefanski wouldn't specify. The Browns are simply at the mercy of the league's procedures for players dealing with head injuries and will follow it throughout the week.

Despite the quick turnaround for Flacco should he have to start this weekend, Stefanski expressed confidence in his ability to be ready, in an offense catered to his skill-set.

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"You have to tailor your offense to all 11 guys and certainly the quarterback,"Stefanski explained. "Joe has been in a bunch of different systems and a bunch of different buildings, so he knows how it works. He knows how different operations have different nuances if you will. So he's getting up to speed with what we do."

That means the offense could look very different against the Rams this weekend, considering Flacco is far less mobile than any of his quarterback contemporaries on the roster.

Flacco, the Super Bowl 47 winner and MVP, spent the 2022 season with the New York Jets, starting five games including one win that, ironically, came against his new team.

He made his last start in early January of this year in New York's final game of the regular season. He threw for 149 yards in an 11-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Should he be under center at 4:25 on Sunday, it would be the 181st regular-season start of the veteran's career.