Browns Name Jameis Winston Starting QB, Ken Dorsey to Assume Play-Calling Duties

The Cleveland Browns have decided to start Jameis Winston at quarterback for their upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens, replacing Dorian Thompson-Robinson, as announced by head coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday.

In addition to the quarterback change, Stefanski will also hand over play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. This decision was shared with reporters, including Andrew Siciliano.

Winston's promotion comes as a result of Deshaun Watson being sidelined for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Thompson-Robinson, who served as the backup in Week 7, stepped in when Watson was injured. Winston, initially inactive, was later called upon after Thompson-Robinson hurt his finger; however, that injury is not expected to be serious, according to sources cited by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. To bolster their quarterback depth, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe from the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad on Tuesday.

Cleveland's offense has struggled, averaging just 15.6 points per game, placing them 29th in the NFL. Dorsey, who joined the Browns this offseason, previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills but was let go midseason after a 5-5 start in 2023.

Winston, who signed with Cleveland in March, has primarily been the team's QB2 this season. The former first overall pick in 2015 has not started a game since 2022, when he played for the New Orleans Saints. Over his career, he has made 98 NFL appearances, with a record of 34 wins and 46 losses in 80 starts.