Cleveland Browns shake up their quarterback depth chart, naming Bailey Zappe as the backup ahead of their matchup against Cincinnati Bengals.
The Cleveland Browns have arrived at Paycor Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 16 AFC North matchup. With the playoffs out of reach, the Browns are focused on roster evaluations and building momentum for the future, making critical decisions before kickoff.
And here comes a last-minute move that registers as a bit of a surprise.
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Cleveland’s offense has faced challenges throughout the season, ranking 24th in the league with an average of 308.6 yards per game. Their rushing attack remains a concern, sitting at 29th with just 92.1 yards per contest. Despite the struggles, players like tight end David Njoku and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy have provided sparks on offense and will be key targets for Thompson-Robinson against a Bengals defense that ranks 29th in the league.
Now, reports are that Bailey Zappe has been named the backup quarterback for the Browns, moving ahead of Jameis Winston, who was initially expected to fill the role. Winston, who initially stepped in for the injured Deshaun Watson earlier in the season, has since been replaced by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who will lead the offense this week.
The Bengals, with a 6-8 record, bring a top-ranked passing offense that will test Cleveland’s 14th-ranked defense. For the Browns, this game provides a chance to evaluate talent heading into the offseason while giving Zappe the opportunity to showcase his value in a potential backup role moving forward.
Cleveland aims to finish the season strong, and the decisions made today could help set the tone for the team’s future. With a focus on evaluating the depth chart and identifying key contributors, these final matchups provide a critical opportunity to build momentum and establish a foundation for next season.
