The Cleveland Browns have been without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for multiple games already. Following Week 10 of the 2023-24 NFL season, however, they found out he’ll miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. His final game was a 33-31 win over the Baltimore Ravens, whom the Browns are chasing in the AFC North.
In his absence in the past, Dorian Thompson-Robinson filled in for a game before P.J. Walker made four appearances and two starts. In the wake of the Watson news, the Browns announced that Thompson-Robinson would start in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and beyond, with Walker as the primary backup.
Heading into Week 11, the Browns are 6-3, tied for second in the AFC North with the Steelers and behind the Ravens. With this news, the Browns are to make the postseason and to win the Super Bowl, which ranks 12th among all teams.
Will Dorian Thompson-Robinson start at QB for the Browns?
Watson managed to get through last week’s game minus one pass attempt from Walker. Instead of Walker, the Browns have opted to give Thompson-Robinson, a rookie out of UCLA, the start against the Steelers in Week 11. Thompson-Robinson made one start this season in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 19 of 36 passes for 121 yards with three interceptions, and he was sacked four times.
The Browns drafted Thompson-Robinson in the fifth round. He played at UCLA from 2018-22. While there, he attempted 1,368 passes and completed 62.9% for 10,685 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. He also added 2,519 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns.
Backing up the rookie will be longtime journeyman and XFL player P.J. Walker. He was undrafted out of Temple in 2017 and has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Roughnecks, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and the Browns.
Before the season, the Browns traded away quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who’s started for the Arizona Cardinals and — following a trade — for the Minnesota Vikings this season.
Latest Cleveland Browns odds
Futures odds after the Deshaun Watson injury
Despite the inconsistent quarterback play, the Browns have put themselves in a position to be 6-3 with odds of to make the playoffs. The defense has held up well this season, assisting with many wins.
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What does the future hold for the Browns?
Based on Thompson-Robinson’s previous start, he’ll likely need to improve for the Browns to maintain their standing in the AFC. Heading into Week 11, they have four opponents remaining with current losing records: the Broncos, Rams, Bears, and Jets.
