The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation reportedly is in flux ahead of their game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season.
The Browns started second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the former fifth-round pick led Cleveland to just six points in a loss.
In addition to that, Thompson-Robinson picked up a calf injury for Cleveland, so his status is now being monitored.
🚨 Cleveland Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) and TE David Njoku (knee) are currently dealing with injuries and are being monitored ahead of this weekend’s game vs. Miami Dolphins (@RapSheet) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/m8vhmZFlUV
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 23, 2024
According to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, Thompson-Robinson will start in Week 17 if he’s healthy enough to go. But if he isn’t, the Browns may have some issues.
Prior to making the switch to Thompson-Robinson, the Browns had been starting veteran Jameis Winston at quarterback. Unfortunately, Winston is dealing with shoulder soreness that could keep him from playing in Week 17. His status will be important if Thompson-Robinson is out.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said as long as Dorian Thompson-Robinson is healthy he'll start against the Dolphins Sunday. If not, they'll have to see how things shake out with Jameis Winston working through shoulder soreness.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 23, 2024
If they have to, the Browns could turn to third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe as the starter on Sunday.
DTR got hurt early in Sunday's game and pushed through. Also, with Jameis Winston dealing with a shoulder throwing injury, it's possible Bailey Zappe could start Sunday against Dolphins.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) December 23, 2024
The Browns’ quarterback drama could be good news for the Dolphins, as they need to keep winning in order to keep themselves in the mix for a playoff spot. At 7-8, the Dolphins also need to win their last two games of the regular season to avoid a sub-.500 finish for the first time since Mike McDaniel took over as the franchise’s head coach.
Thompson-Robinson has gotten off to an underwhelming start in his NFL career, and the Dolphins may not need to be worried about facing him – if he can play – on Sunday.
In his NFL career, Thompson-Robinson has completed just 52.8 percent of his passes, and he’s thrown for just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions. This season, Thompson-Robinson has thrown five picks in just five games (one start).
If both he and Winston are unable to go, Zappe is also an underwhelming option at quarterback. A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Zappe has appeared in 14 games in his NFL career, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
With the Browns already eliminated from playoff contention, this is a game that Dolphins fans should expect their team to win.
The Dolphins and Browns are scheduled to battle at 4:05 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 29. There should be more clarity about who will be under center for the Browns before then.
