CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are yet to make a final decision regarding which backup quarterback will take the field in their season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. However, it might not significantly impact the Ravens’ plans.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned that he will assess the quarterback scenario throughout the week and suggested that both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe could see action during Saturday’s game against the Ravens, who currently hold an 11-5 record and can secure the AFC North division title with a victory.
“Bailey has arrived here, but we haven’t had the chance to see him compete in a game yet,” Stefanski shared during a Zoom session. “Dorian is a developing talent who is leveraging all these practice reps to enhance his skills. It’s possible that we might play both of them.”
If Zappe gets the nod to start, he will become the 40th quarterback to lead the Browns since 1999.
Thompson-Robinson has faced challenges in his two starting appearances, during which the Browns managed to score only nine points. This followed the benching of Jameis Winston, who had a rough patch with eight interceptions over three games.
Winston is still managing a right shoulder injury, and according to Stefanski, he will likely serve as the emergency quarterback for the final game of the season.
The Browns, with a record of 3-13, face a daunting challenge as they are 17.5-point underdogs against the Ravens, who previously suffered a loss to the Browns in Cleveland on October 27 during Winston’s initial start after Deshaun Watson’s Achilles tendon injury.
Zappe joined the Browns’ roster after being signed from Kansas City’s practice squad in October, following Watson’s placement on injured reserve. The 25-year-old quarterback was a fourth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2022 and had previously started eight games over two seasons with the team, delivering his strongest performance against the Browns two years ago where he threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns, contributing to a victory.
