JUST-IN: Browns Make Final Call on Joe Flacco’s Status Against Broncos
Joe Flacco is scheduled to play for the Cleveland Browns against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The Browns opted not to activate Flacco from the practice squad in Week 12, replacing Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the starter and P.J. The decision was made to keep Walker as a backup. Flacco, who officially signed on Monday, has only practiced with the Browns for a few days and doesn’t seem familiar with the playbook yet. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was vague Sunday when asked what Flacco’s role will be.
“I’m not going to go into detail about the list items,” Stefanski said on Friday, Nov. 24. The Browns have made it clear they don’t see Flacco as a savior at the quarterback position. He appears as a mentor to Thompson-Robinson and steps in as an option if the rookie fails. “Dorian starts and Joe’s role is to support this team,” Stefanski said. “When we got here we added an experienced guy. It will match your room perfectly. “He will be a great addition to this team.”
Amari Cooper backs Joe Flacco signing.
Amari Cooper is glad Flacco is hanging out with the Browns. Flacco signed after hearing Deshaun Watson would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Cooper because Flacco was on board. “I think it’s a good idea,” Cooper said. “Obviously Joe Flacco is somebody we all grew up with. The reason DTR (Dorian Thompson-Robinson) in particular is there is because he’s a very young player, he comes in and gets some coaching, gets some more coaching. So I think it’s a phenomenal idea.”
Flacco appeared in 183 games and made 180 starts for the Ravens (2008-18), Broncos (2019) and New York Jets (2020-22). Flacco has completed 3,881 of his 6,299 career passes (61.6%) with 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions. As a starting pitcher, he compiled a record of 99 wins and 81 losses (.550).
He won the Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2013 and was named the MVP of that game. Cooper has caught passes from three different quarterbacks this season: Watson, Walker and Thompson-Robinson. Last year, Cooper played 11 games with Jacoby Brissett and still managed 1,000 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. Cooper has 749 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Joe Flacco is ready to prove he still plays.
Flacco spent much of the offseason waiting for new features to be added to his phone. He’s entering his 16th NFL season and the former first-round pick is ready to prove he’s still got what it takes.
“I still have confidence that I can play,” Flacco said on Nov. 23. “I was focused today. I think I’m going to do my best no matter the situation, no matter what my role is, no matter what comes my way.”
Flacco replaced Thompson-Robinson. He started as a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens and helped the team to an 11-5 record.
“I was there my rookie year,” Flacco said. “You have so much on your mind that you get distracted by little things. I’m talking about focusing on everyday tasks. He probably focused on small things all day. The rest are getting a little silly. And if you can just focus on the little things you’re doing right now, that’s the best way to stay focused and accomplish the most important things.
The Browns are coming off a 1.5-point loss against the Broncos, who have won four games since a rough start.
