When the Browns take the field in Week 8 against the Ravens, they will have a new quarterback at the helm of the offense.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Wednesday that Jameis Winston will be the Browns starting quarterback in Week 8.
"He's won a lot of football games. He's seen a lot of football. So, we have total confidence in him," Stefanski said.
QB Deshaun Watson was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday with an Achilles injury that will require surgery and end his 2024 season. Second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson – who entered the Week 7 game following Watson's injury – also sustained a finger injury in Week 7.
Stefanski said Thompson-Robinson's finger injury is one that will not require surgery, and they will monitor how he progresses. Thompson-Robinson is expected to practice on Wednesday, and Stefanski wants to see how Thompson-Robinson throws in practice before there is a decision about who will serve as backup quarterback.
The Browns added depth to their quarterback room following Watson's injury when they signed Bailey Zappe to the active roster off the Chiefs practice squad on Oct. 22.
Winston had served as the backup quarterback in the first six weeks of the season on game day until Week 7, when he was designated as the emergency quarterback against the Bengals.
Winston has appeared in five games this season, completing 6 of 12 passing attempts for 83 yards and a touchdown. He stepped in at quarterback in different packages in those five games, such as a number of quarterback sneak plays and short yardage situations to gain the first down. Winston has rushed for three first downs this season.
Winston has also provided a sense of leadership for the Browns since he arrived in Cleveland this season.
"I think any authentic leadership is really important and he certainly leads in his own way. It's different. But I think the guys really respect him and really respect him because of the work he puts in," Stefanski said. "He's in here early, I can confirm that. And he's got that energy right away."
