The Cleveland Browns are heading into a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins but will be without significant contributions from quarterback Jameis Winston. Still recovering from a lingering right shoulder injury, Winston is expected to be inactive and serve as the team’s emergency third quarterback.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared the update on X, formerly Twitter: “Browns QB Jameis Winston (right shoulder) is expected to be inactive and act as the third (emergency) QB. He’s listed as questionable.” Winston’s injury has already sidelined him for last week’s game against the Bengals, where rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started and Bailey Zappe served as the backup. The Browns are likely to use the same arrangement this week.
Thompson-Robinson has been named the Week 17 starter, regardless of Winston’s condition. However, Winston’s limited availability places added pressure on the Browns’ offense. Zappe is expected to serve as the backup once again, leaving Winston inactive unless a dire situation arises that requires a third quarterback.
Winston’s 2024 campaign has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries, although he has occasionally been a bright spot for Cleveland. In his most recent appearance, he completed 16 of 25 passes for 146 yards but threw three costly interceptions and failed to score a touchdown. This season, Winston has accumulated 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 61.1% completion rate. While he has shown moments of brilliance, turnovers have consistently derailed the Browns’ offensive efforts.
Compounding the issue, Winston has provided minimal impact in the running game, logging just 83 rushing yards and one touchdown on 25 attempts. His lack of dual-threat capabilities has been a disappointment for a team that hoped for more versatility from their veteran quarterback.
As the Browns fight to stay in playoff contention, Sunday’s game carries immense stakes. Winston’s absence highlights the need for younger players like Thompson-Robinson and Zappe to step up as Cleveland navigates a season filled with challenges.
