The Cleveland Browns’ 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers left some question regarding who the team’s starting quarterback will be moving forward.
On Monday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that Cleveland is sticking with the status quo, with Jameis Winston set to start this Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
The two-time NFL Coach of the Year also said that the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner will be the Browns’ starting quarterback for the “duration” of the 2024 season, but that it’s also a decision that will be made “week to week.”
Cleveland’s decision to stick with Winston as its starting quarterback comes amid a hectic 2024 campaign in which the Browns lay claim to a 2-7 record. Deshaun Watson had led Cleveland to a 1-6 record through the Browns’ first seven games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in a Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
With Watson sidelined, Cleveland turned to Winston, who earned AFC Player of the Week honors after throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns in an upset win over the Baltimore Ravens. The No. 1 pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, however, struggled in the Browns’ Week 9 loss to the Chargers, leading to some speculation that Cleveland could bench him in favor of second-year signal-caller Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Nevertheless, the Browns will be sticking with Winston when they face his former team in New Orleans this weekend. Time will tell, however, whether that will remain the case for the duration of the season or if it will be truly be week to week.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.