Browns announce QB Joe Flacco to remain starter QB for rest of NFL 2023-24 season

Joe Flacco has ignited the caliber of the Cleveland Browns by once again enlisting their name as a potential Super Bowl contender this season. The team’s quarterback room has been plagued by injuries in the 2023 NFL season. Their formidable signal-caller, Deshaun Watson, went down with a season-ending injury, and later rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson also sustained a concussion.

The Browns signed Joe Flacco to their practice squad to let him lead the team for a while. The dual-threat perfectly fit in the shoe by leading the team to a recent victory against the Jaguars. As the franchise is now in the playoffs, they decided to bank on the recently signed veteran to lead the QB room for the rest of the season.

Joe Flacco named starter for remainder of 2023-24 season

As Thompson-Robinson sustained an injury, Joe Flacco was thrust into the limelight by being the Browns starter in their Week 13 match against the Los Angeles Rams, which they lost 19-36. The signal-caller was given the chance to start the team’s Week 14 match against the Jaguars as well.

The Browns secured a 31-27 win in Week 14 and became only the eighth team ever and the first since the 2015 Houston Texans to boast four different QB1s, each clinching a win in a single season-Flacco, Deshaun Watson, PJ Walker, and DTR.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision was clear following Flacco’s stellar performance, as he confirmed the veteran as the starter for the rest of the season. The coach heaped praise on the QB’s adaptability to the team’s system while lauding his commitment to delivering his best on the field.

“Played well.You expect him to get better as he gets more comfortable in our system with our players, those type of things. But we just talked about him and all our guys, doing their job, giving us their best, and I thought that’s what he did.”

For Flacco, this unexpected opportunity to again become a starter following Watson’s injury revitalized his career. He admitted to uncertainties about his future in the league before the Browns came calling.

Celebrating his 100th win as a starting QB, the 16-year NFL veteran expressed his gratitude for the chance to compete and lead the Browns. He also reflected on the unique joy of playing while his children understood and appreciated the game.

“It’s unbelievable to be out there. It’s really a unique experience. To have children that are of the age where they understand what’s going on, and I’m going to remember these things forever. I’m just trying to stay in the moment and be as grateful as possible and keep getting better”, he said per ABC News.

Joe Flacco’s recent performance against the Jaguars showcased his experience and skill, completing 26 of 45 passes for 311 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. As for the Browns, they are fortunate enough to find some elite QBs on the roster while many NFL franchises struggle to find only one reliable signal-caller in the squad.

What happened to Deshaun Watson?

Deshaun Watson, after missing three prior games due to injuries, sustained a critical blow during the first half of the game against the Ravens. Despite the setback, he returned in the second half to lead his team to a remarkable 33-31 victory. The QB showcased a stellar performance by completing all 14 pass attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown.

However, the joy of victory was swiftly overshadowed by grave news as following an MRI on his right shoulder, it was revealed that the signal-caller had suffered a displaced fracture to the glenoid, leading to a season-ending surgery. The Browns confirmed this unfortunate development, announcing the veteran’s placement on the injured reserve list, which abruptly concluded his 2023 campaign.

The Browns said the decision was taken after consulting with the team’s Head Physician James Voos, and industry-leading shoulder specialist Neal ElAttrache.

Following the sudden blow, the dual-threat expressed the emotional toll of the situation. Despite grappling with the setback, he vowed to remain connected with his teammates, while deciding to embark on an arduous rehabilitation journey to return stronger for the next season.

“It’s very tough. Hurt about it, but I’m going to make sure I keep my head above water and make sure I stay in touch with all the guys and support them as much as I possibly can. Attack this rehab process after surgery and make sure that I’m doing whatever I can to be beneficial for the team while not actually being on the field with them and also prepping for the next year.”

Deshaun Watson’s statistics for the 2023 NFL season, albeit limited due to injuries, showcased his impact on the field. He proved his football prowess with 1,115 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 142 rushing yards along with a rushing score.