CLEVELAND — Following the news of Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Waton's season-ending surgery, the team has addressed their quarterback situation going forward.
During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Kevin Stefanski announced that rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for the team against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 19.
"Every week we are trying to make the best decisions we can for the team. I want to give him a week where he knows he is a starter and gets a full week of preparation," said Stefanski on Wednesday.
Stefanski's announcement came after Browns GM Andrew Berry said they have "faith" in their quarterback room of P.J. Walker and Thompson-Robinson.
Following the trade deadline last month, the team faced criticism for not acquiring a backup quarterback amidst Watson's injury.
"As with any part of the roster, we are always open to anything that helps improve the team," Berry said. "We do believe in carrying three quarterbacks between the active and practice squad. What that distribution looks like really depends on the player. The one thing I will share is that we will add a quarterback at some point in the near future. What that looks like will be to be determined."
The UCLA product served as Walker's backup after a tough 28-3 loss against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 in his first NFL start.
"We think he is a talented kid, very smart, very diligent as a worker and we are pleased with his progress so far but we will certainly need all hands on deck as we move forward," said Berry on the team's confidence in Thompson-Robinson.
The Browns selected Thompson-Robinson as the 140th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his final season at UCLA, he completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 3,169 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Walker, a Temple University product, will serve as DTR's backup after starting in two games for the Browns this season.
The Browns signed Walker in August and named him a starter in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to a 19-17 victory. In the following week, Walker appeared in the game after Watson exited early against the Colts. The backup signal caller and the Browns came out victorious after Walker threw for 178 yards.
In his four games this season, Walker has completed 49% of his passes, while throwing five interceptions and one touchdown.
Prior to his time with the Browns this season, Walker played in 15 games with the Carolina Panthers, garnering seven career starts and a 57.5% completion percentage. Walker spent the 2020 season in the XFL playing for the Houston Roughnecks.