The Cleveland Browns (1-6) faced their fifth consecutive loss in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4), with a final score of 21-14. However, the outcome was overshadowed by significant injuries.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson also left the game due to a finger injury.
“Naturally, we’re disappointed whenever injuries occur,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski on the team’s website. “It’s a very unfortunate aspect of our game. We feel for Deshaun and are saddened to lose him for the season.” With uncertainty surrounding Thompson-Robinson’s availability for Week 8, the Browns decided to bolster their quarterback roster by signing Bailey Zappe from the Chiefs’ practice squad.
Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick in 2022, joined Kansas City this offseason after two years with the Patriots. In 2022-23, he made eight starts in 14 appearances for New England, throwing for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Though the 25-year-old has shown potential, consistency has been an issue. The Browns are likely considering him as a backup to veteran quarterback Jameis Winston if Thompson-Robinson is unable to play. Winston performed well in relief last Sunday, passing for 67 yards and a touchdown, which has boosted Stefanski’s confidence in him.
“I believe both players are deserving of being the backup quarterback,” Stefanski noted. “I told them that early in the season. With Jameis not having a short yardage package in the last game, Dorian performed well in practice, making him the backup.”
Despite a challenging start to the season, Zappe provides the Browns with additional starting experience at quarterback as they prepare for their Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens (5-2).
