Browns name starting quarterback

The Cleveland Browns have a big decision to make regarding Deshaun Watson and his future with the franchise. In the meantime, they needed to decide who would replace him as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.

It appears they have made that decision.

According to Fox NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Browns have named Jameis Winston their starting quarterback for Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Sources: The #Browns plan to start Jameis Winston at QB vs the #Ravens in Week 8, with Deshaun Watson out for the rest of the season.

My understanding is Dorian Thompson-Robinson was Watson’s backup on Sunday strictly from a gameplan standpoint. pic.twitter.com/2jTgSpkxlF

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 23, 2024

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who served as Watson’s backup last week, will remain the No. 2 QB on the depth chart.

Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Thompson-Robinson replaced him after he was carted off the field but he suffered a finger injury during the game as well. Winston, who was listed as the emergency quarterback, entered toward the end of the 21-14 loss.

Winston, a Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, previously had stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints where he was an on-again, off-again starter. He signed a one-year deal with Cleveland before this season.

Watson’s injury was met with cheers from some Browns fans, something that some of his teammates have reacted strongly to. The allegations against Watson, coupled with his massive contract and poor play on the field, have made a lot of NFL folks think Cleveland will move on from him now. As for whether or not Winston proves he should be the guy to take Winston’s place, we’ll find out soon enough.

[Jordan Schultz]