The Cleveland Browns have signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to their practice squad, according to multiple reports. The move comes after the team lost star QB Deshaun Watson for the season with a broken shoulder bone.
Flacco brings experience and depth to Browns
Flacco, 38, is a former Super Bowl MVP who led the Baltimore Ravens to a championship in 2013. He has played for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets in the past three seasons, making 13 starts and throwing for 2,895 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Browns are hoping that Flacco can provide some stability and leadership to their QB room, which has been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. Watson, who was acquired from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade in March, suffered a season-ending injury in Week 10 against the New England Patriots. He had thrown for 2,432 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games for the Browns.
With Watson out, the Browns are turning to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, as their starter. Thompson-Robinson made his first NFL start in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, but struggled with three interceptions in a 24-17 loss. He has completed 28 of 48 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in three appearances this season.
The Browns also have P.J. Walker, a former XFL star, as their backup. Walker has started two games this season, going 1-1 with 368 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He played most of the fourth quarter in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, after Thompson-Robinson left with a minor injury. The Browns won that game 13-10 on a last-second field goal by Chase McLaughlin.
Flacco could be promoted to active roster soon
The Browns are expected to promote Flacco to the active roster soon, as they prepare for their Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Flacco worked out for the Browns on Friday, along with other free-agent QBs, and impressed the coaching staff with his arm strength and accuracy.
Flacco has a history of success against the Browns, going 18-3 with 31 touchdown passes in his career. He also has a familiarity with the AFC North division, having played for the Ravens for 11 seasons. He could be a valuable mentor for Thompson-Robinson and Walker, as well as a reliable option in case of an emergency.
The Browns are currently 7-3 and in the sixth seed in the AFC playoff race. They have a tough schedule ahead, with games against the Broncos, Ravens, Raiders, Packers, Steelers and Bengals. They are hoping that Flacco can help them navigate through the challenges and secure a postseason berth for the second straight year.
