In a surprising turn of events, the Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their ensuing matchup against the Los Angeles Rams with Joe Flacco set to make his 2023 season debut as the starting quarterback.



Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s absence due to a concussion has paved the way for Flacco to take on the starting role, making him the fourth starting QB for the Browns this season. currently standing at 7-4.



The Browns are navigating an unexpected quarterback situation with seasoned veteran at the helm. Flacco, who was signed less than two weeks ago, is gearing up for his 16th season in the NFL and will be starting for the fourth team in his career.



<h2>The Browns’ Quarterback Challenges</h2>



Flacco’s last start was in Week 18 of the previous season with the New York Jets, resulting in an 11-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Interestingly, his last win as a starter came against the Browns in a chaotic 31-30 comeback victory in Week 2 of the same season.



The quarterback shuffle for the Browns began with Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury, leading them to start PJ Walker and the rookie Thompson-Robinson earlier in the season. Thompson-Robinson’s concussion in Week 12 opened the door for Flacco.



Flacco’s career includes 11 years with the Baltimore Ravens, where he secured a Super Bowl XLVII win and was named MVP. After stints with the Denver Broncos in 2019 and the New York Jets from 2020 until last year, Flacco finds himself in a new chapter with the Cleveland Browns.

Joe Flacco Steps in as Starting QB for Browns Against Rams

Joe Flacco Steps in as Starting QB for Browns Against Rams - thesportsdrops NEWS

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Deshaun Watson‘s ongoing right shoulder injury has been a source of confusion and frustration for both fans and the Browns organization. Watson acknowledged that he may have rushed his return during the Browns’ Week 7 victory over the Colts, a game in which he exited early under somewhat mysterious circumstances.



“I don’t know. The usual recovery time for rotator cuff injuries is four to six weeks,” Watson stated when questioned about his hasty return. “I felt that, at the three to four-week mark, I had a chance to play. But I lacked the strength and readiness to complete a full game.” Watson acknowledged that he may have rushed his return during the Browns’ Week 7 victory over the Colts.



In a candid admission be admitted not being ready for a game in which he exited under somewhat mysterious circumstances. “I don’t know. The usual recovery time for rotator cuff injuries is four to six weeks,” Watson stated about his hasty return. “I felt that, at the three to four-week mark, I had a chance to play. But I lacked the strength and readiness to complete a full game.”



<h2>Deshaun Watson’s Shoulder Dilemma and Recovery</h2>



Watson admitted, “I wouldn’t say I felt perfect on that Friday,” referring to his full participation in practice before Week 7. “I was pushing through it because of my competitive nature. I thought I had enough. But the reality is, practice is very controlled, especially on Fridays. It’s a different ballgame when you’re out there on Sundays with live action.”



After the disappointment of Week 7, the decision was made to sit him out for Week 8, with PJ Walker starting. Both Watson and Stefanski declined to elaborate on whether Watson’s participation in the previous week might have negatively impacted his long-term recovery, but Stefanski did mention that Watson still had some residual swelling in his throwing shoulder.



The uncertainty surrounding Watson’s condition has undoubtedly been frustrating for Browns fans, many of whom had high hopes for a full season from him after his shortened 2022 campaign due to suspension. Watson is eager to return to the field. “Why wouldn’t I want to play?” he expressed. “I’ve worked hard for two years to get back on the field, so why wouldn’t I want to play?”

Deshaun Watson's Shoulder Dilemma: Rushed Return and Uncertainty

Deshaun Watson's Shoulder Dilemma: Rushed Return and Uncertainty - thesportsdrops NEWS

When the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield</a>, it seemed pretty clear they wanted him to take the reins this year. However, Matt Rhule wanted him to fight for the job before announcing who would be QB1.



This week, Carolina finally announced that Mayfield will be the starting quarterback in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jacoby-brissett-reacts-to-possibly-taking-over-for-deshaun-watson-2437-20220802-SPD-2437.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season</a> against his former team, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a>.



That means Sam Darnold‘s aspirations of keeping the job are over after weeks of fighting for the position. Though it’s not what he wanted, he didn’t complain about the Panthers’ decision to bench him.



<h2>Sam Darnold not mad about losing Panthers’ QB job to Baker Mayfield</h2>



“We were fighting for the starting job,” Darnold said, via ProFootballTalk. “Every day was our game day out there during camp, especially as we got into these last couple weeks. . . . Obviously it didn’t go my way. Coach named Baker the starter. My mindset is it is what it is. For me, right now, I’m gonna do everything I can to support Baker and get him ready to play a game.”



At the end of the day, this is a team sport, regardless of which position you’re playing. Darnold had his chance last year, and he didn’t seize it. Now it’s Mayfield’s turn, and Darnold has no option but to support him and be ready in case he’s needed.

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield

It’s the latest in a string of wide receiver injuries that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/browns-have-no-intention-of-trading-kareem-hunt-despite-stall-in-extension-talks-2474-20220807-SPD-2474.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> have suffered throughout training camp. The new wideout <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-target-free-agent-ndamukong-suh-2197-20220713-SPD-2197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jakeem Grant</a> had to be carried off the field on a stretcher on Tuesday after hurting his leg.



It was announced on Wednesday by the NFL Network that he had torn his Achilles tendon. Because of this, Grant will sit out all of the 2022 season for the Browns.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We’ve witnessed how hard the young man has worked since he got to our team. We all realize injuries are part of our game but that doesn’t make it any easier to accept especially for someone that works as hard and carries himself like Jakeem,” Kevin Stefanski, the team’s head coach, stated.</blockquote>



<h2>Browns lose Grant for entire 2022 season</h2>



Grant, who played for Chicago for the entirety of the 2021 season, signed with the Browns this summer. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an All-Pro for the second year in a row in 2021.



The 29-year-old joins the ranks of injured players like Amari Cooper, David Bell, Mike Woods II, and Anthony Schwartz. No apparent major injuries were sustained, but the Browns might be shorthanded at receiver and in the return game.

Browns' new arrival Jakeem Grant to miss rest of season with torn Achilles tendon

Browns' new arrival Jakeem Grant to miss rest of season with torn Achilles tendon - thesportsdrops NEWS

Since he hasn’t received a contract extension from the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> yet, running back <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-target-free-agent-ndamukong-suh-2197-20220713-SPD-2197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Hunt</a> looks to be trying to put pressure on the team to do the same thing. On Sunday, Hunt participated in team exercises for the first time in a while.



Now, NFL Insider Jonathan Jones for CBS Sports has verified that the Browns are not interested in selling running back Kareem Hunt. Earlier, Cleveland.com had claimed that the player requested a trade.



The running back reportedly has one more year left on the two-year deal he signed in 2020. His deal is worth $1.35 million in basic salary and $6.25 million in annual cash.



<h2>Kareem Hunt asked for trade but Browns want to keep him</h2>



CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson has suggested that this was the second time this week that the 27-year-old has not participated in team exercises during training camp. Prior to joining in on Sunday, Hunt had told the squad that they were his long-term goal. 



The “hold-in” is not considered to be health-related, and the Browns will penalize him for it, writes Anderson. One source informed Anderson that Hunt would love to remain with the Browns and has allegedly told the players that he wants to be compensated or traded for.

Browns have no intention of trading Kareem Hunt despite stall in extension talks

Browns have no intention of trading Kareem Hunt despite stall in extension talks - thesportsdrops NEWS

With Deshaun Watson receiving a six-game suspension, Jacoby Brissett is expected to take the reins of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> at the beginning of the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season.



Given that Baker Mayfield‘s days with the team were numbered, Cleveland acquired Brissett in free agency earlier this offseason knowing that it might need him in case Watson was suspended.



Brissett knows a thing or two about stepping up when needed, as he previously took over at the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-titles-have-the-patriots-won-59-20220501-SPD-59.html">Patriots</a>, Colts, and Dolphins on short notice. Therefore, he looks prepared to head into this season as starter.



<h2>Jacoby Brissett feels prepared to start for Browns during Watson’s suspension</h2>



“It’s been my situation throughout my career,” Brissett said, via Jake Trotter of ESPN.com. “Nothing that I’m unfamiliar with. Always been ready to go, whenever my number’s called and that’s the case at this point now. 



“Since I’ve been in this league, it’s been the next man up. So that experience obviously helps with not only the playing, but also like the mindset of understanding — you gotta be ready whenever your number is called.”

Jacoby Brissett reacts to possibly taking over for Deshaun Watson - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jacoby Brissett reacts to possibly taking over for Deshaun Watson

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/trevor-lawrence-says-2021-nfl-season-will-make-him-appreciate-more-every-win-2148-20220711-SPD-2148.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ndamukong Suh</a>, the former <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> defensive lineman, has been linked to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nba-news-kareem-hunt-asks-browns-for-contract-extension-1652-20220619-SPD-1652.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a>, as per reports. If he doesn’t find a new NFL club in the next few weeks, USA TODAY claims that he will sign with the Browns in the coming weeks.



Also said to be interested in signing Suh are the Minnesota Vikings and the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it is the Browns who have a notable lack of depth in the defensive line.



Not long ago, the veteran caught Browns’ eyes; nevertheless, nothing came of it. When it comes to the conclusion of his career, Suh will likely wait until the start of training camp before signing a new contract.



<h2>Where next for Ndamukong Suh?</h2>



Even though he is not getting any younger, the five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler still hasn’t missed a regular-season game since 2011. When asked about a possible return to the Buccaneers in 2022, Suh responded that he doubted it and then tweeted that playing for the Raiders “might be exciting.”



The experienced defensive tackle would at least provide another body to rotate in the middle, despite his performance being a shadow of his former self. The Cleveland side presently have Jordan Elliott, Taven Bryan, Perrion Winfrey, Tommy Togiai, and Sheldon Day on the roster.

NFL Rumors: Browns target free agent Ndamukong Suh - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL Rumors: Browns target free agent Ndamukong Suh

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-leonard-fournette-knew-tom-brady-would-come-back-from-retirement-1348-20220607-SPD-1348.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> have reached an agreement on the trade of quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-seahawks-pete-carroll-suggests-chris-carsons-neck-issue-might-cause-him-to-retire-1426-20220610-SPD-1426.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> this week in exchange for a conditional first-round selection in 2024. There will be a $4.85 million split between Carolina and Cleveland in terms of Mayfield’s contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.



It was agreed that the 27-year-old would convert the remaining $18.8 million of his salary into incentives in order to speed up the transaction, which is still subject to a medical examination. There’s a chance that Mayfield will be able to recoup that money.



For the 2024 NFL Draft, the Browns will get a fourth or fifth round selection depending on how much the quarterback plays in Carolina. In order for a fourth-round choice, a league source told ESPN‘s David Newton that the quarterback would have to play 70 percent of the plays.



<h2>Baker Mayfield to attempt to revive career in Cleveland</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">A parting message from GM Andrew Berry was among several given by the Browns in regards to their former franchise quarterback: “He will always have a unique place in Browns history for what he accomplished and we wish him well as he continues his career.”</blockquote>



After obtaining Mayfield, the Panthers are reportedly not interested in departing with his rival quarterback, Sam Darnold. In training camp, they will once again fight for the starting spot. If Mayfield wins the starting quarterback position, he will face his former side, the Cleveland Browns in the opening game of the season.

Cleveland Browns