Browns Make Significant Move: New QB2 Secured for the Team’s Lineup

In preparation for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Cleveland Browns introduced a new addition to their backup quarterback position during Wednesday’s practice.

Joe Flacco, recently signed to the practice squad on November 20, has been promoted to QB2. In the event that Dorian Thompson-Robinson doesn’t pass the NFL’s concussion protocol, Flacco is set to take on the starting role against the Rams. Head coach Kevin Stefanski shared this information ahead of the team’s practice session at UCLA.

“Yeah, we’ll work through that throughout the week. Joe’s the backup this week as Dorian is progressing through the protocol. No reason to make any decisions just yet. We’ll see how it goes.”

Thompson-Robinson exited last Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter after a hard hit. With his absence from Wednesday’s practice and the uncertainty about a full practice schedule for the rest of the week, preparing him to face the Rams appears challenging.

Given P.J. Walker’s turnover issues, including five interceptions and two fumbles, Stefanski has made the decision to elevate Joe Flacco to QB2 in the depth chart. This strategic move comes as the Browns strive to stay competitive in the AFC playoff race.

Here’s a little bit of #Browns No. 2 QB Joe Flacco on the far field at #UCLA pic.twitter.com/KZ5lqRfbd4

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 29, 2023

Flacco, boasting a 15-year career with 180 starts, brings valuable experience to the role. However, his performance has seen a decline since his last full-time starting season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017, making his availability late in the season notable.

Should Flacco start for the Browns, he would become the fourth quarterback to do so this season, following Deshaun Watson, Thompson-Robinson, and Walker. If this scenario unfolds, and the Browns secure a playoff spot, they would achieve a rare feat last accomplished by the Houston Texans in 2015, fielding four starting quarterbacks during a 9-7 season that concluded with a Wild Card round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.