Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Confirmed to start Week 16
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson confirmed that Tuesday that he's been named the Browns' starting quarterback for Sunday's game in Cincinnati, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports. "Obviously excited for the opportunity," Thompson-Robinson said, while speaking to media at a charity event. "Still going to prepare and study the same way I do every week, and looking to go out there and get a win."
Head coach Kevin Stefanski will presumably address the change at quarterback when he speaks to the media Wednesday, but the Browns will turn the offense over to Thompson-Robinson after Winston went 2-5 over his seven starts and threw eight interceptions over then last three games alone. Thompson-Robinson -- who came on in relief of a struggling Winston for the Browns' final two possessions of Sunday's 21-7 loss to the Chiefs -- has made 12 career appearances (three starts) across two seasons, rushing 20 times for 125 yards and completing 51.4 percent of his passes for 540 yards, one touchdown and seven interceptions. While Thompson-Robinson brings intriguing rushing ability to the table, he hasn't shown much aptitude as a passer, and the Browns could opt for a more conservative, run-heavy game plan to limit the risk of turnovers that have plagued the offense in recent weeks. Even in a favorable matchup against a Bengals defense that has routinely surrendered big yardage and point totals all season, Thompson-Robinson still represents a low-end fantasy option at quarterback.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Replacing Winston as starter
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson is expected to replace Jameis Winston as the Browns' starting quarterback in Sunday's game against the Bengals, Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports.com reports.
Though Winston initially breathed life into a stagnant Cleveland passing attack when he took over for the injured Deshaun Watson (Achilles) as the team's starter in Week 8, he's also been mistake-prone. After throwing a trio of interceptions -- including two in the end zone -- in Sunday's 21-7 loss to Kansas City, Winston was pulled from the game midway through the fourth quarter in favor of Thompson-Robinson, who completed four of nine pass attempts for 18 yards and an interception to go with 16 yards on three carries during the Browns' final two possessions. With a 1:7 TD:INT over 12 career appearances (three starts) through two seasons in the league, Thompson-Robinson hasn't been immune to sloppy play either, but the 3-11 Browns are presumably eager to take a longer look at the 25-year-old as the season winds down. While he brings much more rushing upside to the table than Winston, Thompson-Robinson likely represents a major downgrade for the Cleveland passing game and for pass catchers such as Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore and David Njoku (hamstring).
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Uncertain status Week 16
Rotowire
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski has not committed to Thompson-Robinson as the starter for Week 16 against the Bengals, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. "We're still putting [Sunday's] game to bed," Stefanski said.
Thompson-Robinson came on in relief of Jameis Winston in Sunday's 21-7 loss to the Chiefs. Winston threw three interceptions and was pulled in the fourth quarter. Thompson-Robinson also threw a pick on one of the two drives he engineered. Winston's had an issue taking care of the ball, having thrown 12 interceptions (and two fumbles lost) over his seven starts. Stefanski may not consider Thompson-Robinson as the Browns' preferred quarterback of the present or future, but he's under contract for another two seasons while Winston becomes a free agent during the offseason.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Mops up blowout loss
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson went 0-for-1 in Sunday's 35-14 loss to New Orleans in Week 11.
Thompson-Robinson entered the game for Cleveland's final drive, which was a three-and-out with an incomplete pass and two runs. Starter Jameis Winston threw for 395 yards and woke up a dormant passing offense for the second time in three weeks. That suggests Winston will stay on as the starter for now, but the organization may want to get a fuller look at Thompson-Robinson before this disappointing season ends.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Remains backup
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson will remain the Browns' backup quarterback Sunday against the Saints after head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Monday that Jameis Winston will remain the team's starter, Kelsey Russo of the team's official site.
Winston, who started the last two games following the season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson (Achilles), will get the nod once again in Week 11, but his leash may not be long. He threw three interceptions and was sacked six times in a Week 9 loss to the Chargers, and Stefanski mentioned keeping turnovers in check being a point of emphasis as the Browns return from a Week 10 bye. With Watson's long-term future with the Browns murky at best and Winston scheduled for free agency this offseason, Cleveland may want to get an extended look at Thompson-Robinson at some point later on this season. Through his first nine NFL appearances over two seasons, Thompson-Robinson has completed 71 of 136 pass attempts (52.2 percent) for 522 yards (3.8 YPA), one touchdown and six interceptions while carrying 17 times for 109 yards.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Full participant Wednesday
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson (finger) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Thompson-Robinson looks likely to be available for Sunday's game against the Ravens, though Jameis Winston has already been named the Week 8 starter due to concerns about how Thompson-Robinson's finger injury might affect his throwing. With the Browns heading into Sunday's contest with a 1-6 record and with Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season, it may be just a matter of time until the Browns turn to Thompson-Robinson under center to see just to get an extended evaluation on the 2023 fifth-round draft pick.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Practicing, but won't start Sunday
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson (finger) is in line to practice Wednesday, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted Wednesday that the Browns plan to see how Thompson-Robinson progresses from his finger injury -- specifically in terms of his throwing -- before a determination on the quarterback's availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens. In any case, Jameis Winston has been confirmed as the team's starter for Week 8, with Bailey Zappe an option to back Winston up if Thompson-Robinson isn't available.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Likely to avoid multi-week absence
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson is dealing with a injured tendon on the middle finger of his throwing hand, but the Browns don't believe he'll miss multiple weeks due to the issue, Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports.com reports.
While Thompson-Robinson appears on track to avoid a stint on injured reserve, the second-year quarterback's status for a Week 8 game against the Ravens is still in flux. After starter Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury late in the second quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Bengals, Thompson-Robinson came off the bench and completed 11 of 24 pass attempts for 82 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 44 yards on three carries before he was lifted from the contest in the fourth quarter due to the injury. Jameis Winston came on to direct the Browns' final drive of the day, and he'll presumably be in line to start Sunday versus Baltimore.
Thompson-Robinson (finger) received negative X-ray results on his right middle finger Monday but is undergoing an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Thompson-Robinson was forced out of Sunday's loss to the Bengals shortly after replacing Deshaun Watson (Achilles), who exited with a season-ending injury. Both Jameis Winston and Thompson-Robinson are candidates to handle quarterback duties for Cleveland in the wake of Watson's injury, beginning Week 8 at home against Baltimore. Of course, Thompson-Robinson's health will play a key factor in determining his immediate role on offense. Thompson-Robinson was active as Watson's backup versus Cincinnati, while Winston suited up as the team's emergency third QB and led a touchdown drive on the Browns' final possession.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Elevated to No. 2 spot
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson is active as the No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
Thompson-Robinson has served as the emergency third quarterback for most of the season, with Jameis Winston suiting up on the active roster as the primary backup to Deshaun Watson. The two will swap roles Sunday, giving Thompson-Robinson a better chance to see actual game action than in any previous contest this season. No reason for the switch was immediately provided by head coach Kevin Stefanski, but more information may be provided in coming days. The change could hint that Thompson-Robinson would be the next man up to start in the event the Browns elect to bench the struggling Watson at any point this season.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Expected to be No. 3 QB
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson is expected to open the regular season as Cleveland's third quarterback behind starter Deshaun Watson and top backup Jameis Winston, Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com reports.
Thompson-Robinson and Winston recently beat out Tyler Huntley for reserve spots on the 53-man roster. While coach Kevin Stefanski hasn't officially clarified the order of backups behind Watson, and Thompson-Robinson did log an impressive preseason, Petrak reports that Winston remains the favorite to work as Watson's top backup Week 1 versus the Cowboys. Winston had been linked to trade rumors shortly after training camp however, so it's possible Cleveland's quarterback depth chart will be reorganized as the season progresses.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Mixed bag in Saturday's start
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson completed 13 of 17 passes for 126 yards and an interception in Saturday's 27-12 preseason loss to the Vikings.
The Browns sat their starters and key reserves for this one, and Thompson-Robinson got the start over Tyler Huntley as the duo compete for the No. 3 spot on the quarterback depth chart. Thompson-Robinson was efficient and led a touchdown drive on Cleveland's opening possession, but he also ended his day with an interception in the red zone during a two-minute drill just before halftime. Huntley got picked off twice in the second half, however, providing little clarity on the job battle.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Remains limited
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson (hip) participated in 7-on-7 drills Tuesday, but he is still limited in practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Thompson-Robinson is still not fully cleared from a hip subluxation suffered during the Browns' Week 15 win over the Texans. There was hope he'd be cleared in time for mandatory minicamp, which began Monday, but it does appear the UCLA product is at least making progress in his recovery. DTR is expected to compete with Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley for the top backup role behind Deshaun Watson (shoulder).
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Will have followup MRI on Monday
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson (hip) will undergo an MRI on Monday and is expected to participate in minicamp next week, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.
DTR suffered a hip subluxation against the Texans on Christmas Eve and was ruled out for the remainder of the Browns' season. His most recent MRI in March revealed progress in his rehab, and Thompson-Robinson is hoping the latest one this upcoming week will allow him to get the green light to do some on-field work with the team's rookies and fellow younger players. The Browns signed veteran QBs Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley in the offseason, so DTR is facing stiff competition for backup duties behind Deshaun Watson.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Headed for IR
Rotowire
The Browns placed Thompson-Robinson (hip) on injured reserve Tuesday.
Since clearing the concussion protocol, the fifth-round pick out of UCLA has appeared in each of the team's last three games, taking a handful of snaps behind Joe Flacco in specific packages. Thompson-Robinson apparently injured his hip during his brief cameo in Sunday's 36-22 win over the Texans, and the team decided it could put his roster spot to better use for the rest of the regular season. He's technically eligible to be activated as soon as the AFC Championship Game, should the Browns advance that far, but for now PJ Walker will step in as Flacco's backup. Thompson-Robinson wraps up his regular season with a 53.6 percent completion rate on 112 passes for 3.9 yards per attempt, one touchdown and four interceptions to go with 14 carries for 65 yards over his eight outings.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Continues to practice
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson (concussion) was present for practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Meanwhile, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer notes that earlier Thursday offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said he believes Thompson-Robinson is still in the NFL's concussion protocol and has one more box to check in order to gain clearance ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Per Petrak, Van Pelt indicated that the Browns have yet to make a decision on the team's Week 14 starter at QB, but Cabot believes that Joe Flacco is trending toward toward facing Jacksonville this weekend.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Remains in concussion protocol
Rotowire
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Thompson-Robinson remains in the concussion protocol, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Thompson-Robinson missed Week 13 while in the concussion protocol, and he will need to gain full clearance before returning to the lineup. As such, his status is still in question for Cleveland's matchup against Jacksonville in Week 14. If Thompson-Robinson can't return to full health before the Browns take on the Jaguars, Joe Flacco will likely draw another start, with PJ Walker also being an option.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Remains spectator for practice
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson (concussion) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice.
Earlier Thursday, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer that Thompson-Robinson underwent additional concussion testing. The rookie quarterback ultimately wasn't able to advance to limited practice participation, which would have represented a sign of progress as he navigates the five-step protocol. Thompson-Robinson could still have a chance at playing Sunday against the Rams if he's able to get back on the practice field in some capacity Friday, but at this stage, veteran Joe Flacco looks to be trending toward the Week 13 start. Flacco remains on the practice squad for now, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Flacco is now viewed as the top understudy to Thompson-Robinson, with PJ Walker dropping to third on the depth chart.
Thompson-Robinson was diagnosed with a concussion after exiting Sunday's game in Denver, Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports.com reports.
Thompson-Robinson left the contest late in the third quarter after enduring a roughing the passer penalty from Broncos linebacker Baron Browning. With a concussion confirmed, Thompson-Robinson will end Week 12 with 134 yards and a touchdown on 14-for-29 passing and five carries for 21 yards. He'll yield the Browns offense to PJ Walker for the rest of Sunday's outing.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Week 12 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
Thompson-Robinson is expected to start again in Week 12 at Denver, and we'll see if he fares better against the Broncos than he did against the Steelers in Week 11. He was 24-of-43 passing against Pittsburgh for 165 yards, no touchdowns and one interception, and he also added 20 rushing yards on three attempts. So far, Thompson-Robinson has faced the Ravens and Steelers in two starts, and the Denver matchup isn't as favorable as it was earlier in the season. Still, he could be useful as a low-end starter in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues, as long as he remains the starter in place of Deshaun Watson (shoulder) since Joe Flacco was signed to the practice squad Monday. Thompson-Robinson is worth adding in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues for 5-10 percent of your FAB. Also, if you want to speculate on Flacco (1 percent rostered) taking the job at some point, you can add him in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues for 1 percent of your FAB.
