Report: Browns to start rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs Steelers after Deshaun Watson injury

With Deshaun Watson now out for the year, the Browns will turn to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Maybe Cleveland’s defense will be stingy enough to keep the team winning games.

UPDATE: There was speculation all morning as to who the Browns would use at QB1. Coach Kevin Stefanski finally confirmed the news that it would be Thompson-Robinson.

EARLIER: Although the Browns haven’t announced who will start Sunday’s home game against the Steelers, there are several reports indicating it will be Thompson-Robinson, the team’s fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA. Mary Kay Cabot, who covers the Browns for Cleveland.com, posted on X:

“Hearing the #Browns will start Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. #Steelers. I asked him before #Seahawks game how it’d be different: “Night and day. It’ll be a clear difference. I finally got my feet wet. I know what to do. (And) I know what to study when I go out there.”

Hearing the #Browns will start Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. #Steelers. I asked him before #Seahawks game how it'd be different: "Night and day. It'll be a clear difference. I finally got my feet wet. I know what to do. I know what to study when I go out there."

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 15, 2023

Watson was perfect in second half, after hurting his shoulder

The Browns are coming off a dramatic, 33-31 road upset over the Ravens. And given the news from Wednesday, it seems like a harsh twist or irony that Watson had his most significant game in a Cleveland uniform just four days ago. Watson completed every pass he attempted in the second half as he led the Browns back from a 14-point deficit. Yet he hurt his throwing shoulder in the first half.

The Browns issued a statement confirming the Watson injury news. It said that Watson underwent an MRI Monday to examine two injuries. One was to his left ankle, the other was to his right shoulder. The MRI revealed that he suffered a high ankle sprain. And it also showed that he had a displaced fracture to the glenoid. The glenoid is the shoulder socket.

Watson has had issues with his right shoulder for much of the season. The Browns said that after consulting with the team’s lead doctor as well as shoulder specialist Neal ElAttrache, Watson would have season-ending surgery to avoid further structural damage.

Browns already have used three quarterbacks this season

Thompson-Robinson already has started one game in relief of Watson. He’s part of the youth trend at quarterback that’s sweeping the NFL this fall. There have been 10 rookie quarterbacks who have started games, including seven of the top nine QBs drafted back in April.

Meanwhile, PJ Walker has played in four games for the Browns this season, with wins over the 49ers and the Colts. He’s played in the NFL since 2017. He even had a stint in the XFL with the Houston Roughnecks. Before the pandemic shut down the league, Walker was the favorite to win XFL MVP. He signed with the Panthers in 2020. He was with the Bears to start training camp this summer. The Browns signed him to the practice squad at the end of August.

Browns GM Andrew Berry told CBS Sports earlier Wednesday that the team will sign a third quarterback “at some point.”

Cleveland is 6-3 and in the thick of the divisional race even with its documented problems at quarterback.