Who will be Browns’ quarterback after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury?

Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending ruptured ACL amid a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and was placed on injured reserve.

Who will be Browns’ quarterback after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury?

Deshaun Watson sustained potential Achilles injury on Sunday (Via Cleveland.com)

Cleveland Browns (1-6) HC Kevin Stefanski announced Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback ahead of Week 8. The Browns’ starter Deshaun Watson and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson sustained injuries prompting Winston to jump in.

Deshaun Watson started his sixth game for the Browns and faced a significant injury during their matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The afternoon began worse for Watson as the crowd booed him, frustrated with his poor performances and off-field controversies. With the Browns struggling, having won only one game, tensions were high. In the second quarter, Watson’s game hit a devastating low when he tore his ACL on a run play.

YouTube video

Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over the quarterback role after Watson suffered the injury. Thompson-Robinson was met with a similar fate. He failed to finish the game either, and now a finger injury sidelines him. The Browns were forced to bring an emergency replacement Jameis Winston for the game’s final drive. Stefanski has reported that Thompson-Robinson doesn’t require surgery and will practice in the coming week.

FS Video

The Browns’ head coach instilled confidence in the new quarterback ahead of the Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Stefanski also mentioned that Winston has a leadership quality in him.

He’s won a lot of football games. He’s seen a lot of football. So, we have total confidence in him.

Kevin Stefanski told the reporters

Winston has played in five games this season, completing 6 of 12 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. He’s been utilized in various packages during those games, including quarterback sneaks and short-yardage plays aimed at securing first downs. So far, Winston has rushed for three first downs this season.

RELATED
Russell Wilson makes it to Tom Brady’s “Stars of the Week” list after his Steelers debut
Tom Brady, Russell Wilson

Cleveland Browns makes major shifts post Deshaun Watson injury

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski revealed via his Wednesday press conference that he is handing over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. The Browns’ offense currently ranks last in the NFL, and Deshaun Watson is out for the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. They also added a much-needed replenishment in Bailey Zappe to improve the declining quarterback depth.

Deshaun Watson
Ken Dorsey, the new Offensive Coordinator had massive plans for Deshaun Watson. (Image via Imago)

Stefanski has called plays since becoming head coach in 2020. He believes that this change is the best decision for the team moving forward. He also emphasized that the decision was entirely his own.

I’m very confident in Ken and I’m very confident in our offensive staff. I feel that this is — when you’re talking about playing good football and putting game plans together, it’s never one person’s job. It’s really a collaborative effort. I have a ton of faith in all of our coaches. And Ken calling the plays doesn’t change that collaborative approach.

Kevin Stefanski added
RELATED
An all-time low? Cardinals-Chargers MNF game drew an average audience of only 1.8 million
Cardinals Chargers

In addition to the play-calling changes, The Browns signed quarterback Zappe from the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. Zappe, 25, could serve as backup to Jameis Winston in Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.