By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Alex Andrejev
The Cleveland Browns are planning to start quarterback Jameis Winston for Sunday’s matchup against the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens, a league source said Wednesday.
Cleveland is 1-6 and dropped its last five straight games, including a 21-14 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team suffered multiple quarterback injuries in that contest — Deshaun Watson was ruled out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who replaced Watson, suffered a finger injury in the fourth quarter.
Winston, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, closed out the game after being deemed the team’s emergency QB on Sunday. He went 5-of-11 passing for 67 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns also signed Bailey Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad Tuesday to help bolster their quarterback room as they prepare for the 5-2 Ravens.
How ready is Winston?
Winston was the No. 1 quarterback for most of the spring and portions of training camp. He started the preseason finale with many of the team’s starters and actually threw the ball down the field, which the Browns have struggled to do. Winston will be prepared for this opportunity and he’s familiar with his teammates and surroundings as the Browns go through the practice week.
The basics count as the Browns try to at least put out a competent offense that could mix in some explosive plays. — Zac Jackson, Browns beat writer
Is this the right move for the Browns?
Though there’s no clear answer on why Winston was demoted to the emergency quarterback role last week, starting him in Watson’s absence was always the best move. Maybe the Browns can’t beat the Ravens, but Winston gives them the best chance to try to attack the Ravens down the field and consistently put drives together.
Winston is a free agent after the season, so this is a huge opportunity for the rest of his career. — Jackson
Required reading
(Photo: Nick Cammett / Getty Images)
