The Cleveland Browns face a critical Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins but will do so without significant contributions from quarterback Jameis Winston. Due to 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 has been dealing with this injury since last week, which already kept him out of the Browns’ previous game against the Bengals. In that contest, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started, with Bailey Zappe serving as the backup—a setup that seems likely for this week as well.
Thompson-Robinson has been confirmed as the starter for Week 17, regardless of Winston’s availability. However, Winston’s limited role adds pressure to the Browns’ offense. Zappe is again expected to back up Thompson-Robinson, leaving Winston inactive unless the team faces a critical situation requiring a third quarterback.
Winston’s 2024 season has been marred by inconsistency and injuries, despite being a rare bright spot for Cleveland at times. In his last game, he completed 16-of-25 passes for 146 yards but threw three costly interceptions and failed to score a touchdown. For the season, he has totaled 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with a 61.1% completion rate. While he’s had flashes of brilliance, turnovers have hindered the Browns’ offensive rhythm.
Adding to the challenges, Winston has provided little on the ground, managing just 83 rushing yards and one touchdown on 25 attempts. His lack of dual-threat capabilities has been a disappointment for Cleveland, which hoped for more versatility when signing him.
Sunday’s matchup is crucial for a Browns team on the edge of playoff contention. Winston’s absence underscores the need for younger players like Thompson-Robinson and Zappe to rise to the occasion as Cleveland battles through a season full of obstacles.
