rnAdam WellsDecember 9, 2023
Michael Owens/Getty Images
In a promising sign, Super Bowl 47 MVP Joe Flacco has been added to the Cleveland Browns’ active roster, possibly indicating he will make his second consecutive start for the team.
The Browns announced on Saturday that they have promoted Flacco from the practice squad and waived P.J. Walker. Additionally, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Amari Cooper is expected to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars after clearing concussion protocol by an independent neurological specialist.
The Browns had assigned Flacco to their practice squad on Monday after starting in their Week 13 game versus the Los Angeles Rams. He was initially signed to their practice squad on Nov. 20 for depth following Deshaun Watson’s shoulder surgery.
Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started the first two games for the Browns after Watson’s season ended. He was removed from the Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos in the third quarter due to a concussion.
When Thompson-Robinson was unable to clear concussion protocol in time for last week’s game, Flacco was elevated to the active roster to start against the Rams. He showed promise with 254 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception in a 36-19 loss.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed today that Thompson-Robinson cleared concussion protocol, but declined to name a starter for the Jaguars game. Thompson-Robinson fully participated in Friday’s practice, according to the team’s official injury report.
Cooper left the Rams game in the second quarter with a concussion. He missed the first two days of practice this week before returning to the field Friday on a limited basis.
The Browns are on the cusp of a must-win situation to secure their playoff spot. They currently hold the No. 5 seed in the AFC and are among 3 teams with a 7-5 record, alongside the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.
There are 4 other teams within one loss of the Browns, Colts, and Texans heading into Sunday’s games. Cleveland has lost back-to-back games for the first time this season and is trying to avoid its first three-game losing streak since Weeks 4 through 7 in 2015.
The Browns could catch a break if Trevor Lawrence is unable to play for the Jaguars. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Monday’s overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but head coach Doug Pederson has stated it will be a game-time decision if his quarterback plays.
