The Cleveland Browns found themselves in a precarious position this week after losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. With backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson also nursing a finger injury on his throwing hand, the Browns were left scrambling for quarterback depth. Enter Bailey Zappe.
Browns Pluck Zappe From Chiefs’ Practice Squad
According to a source close to the situation, the Browns are signing the 25-year-old Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. The move comes just days before Cleveland’s Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, a crucial game in the highly competitive AFC North.
Zappe, a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 draft, started eight games during his time in Foxborough. While his numbers weren’t spectacular – he completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions – the young signal-caller showed flashes of potential.
What Zappe Brings to the Browns
With Zappe in the fold, the Browns gain a quarterback with starting experience who is familiar with the rigors of the NFL. His ability to step in on short notice could prove invaluable, especially if Thompson-Robinson is unable to suit up against the Ravens.
Bailey is a smart, tough kid who has shown he can handle the bright lights. We’re excited to add him to our quarterback room and see how he can help our team.
– A Browns team source
The Road Ahead for Cleveland
The loss of Watson was a devastating blow for a Browns team with playoff aspirations. The former Texans star had been enjoying a solid season before the injury, throwing for 1,874 yards and 12 touchdowns in seven starts. Now, Cleveland must navigate the rest of the season without their franchise quarterback.
Veteran Jameis Winston, who signed with the Browns this offseason, is expected to take over as the starter. The former No. 1 overall pick has plenty of starting experience but has struggled with turnovers throughout his career. He’ll need to take care of the football if the Browns hope to stay afloat in a tough division.
- Browns currently sit at 3-4, third in the AFC North
- Cleveland faces the division-leading Ravens (5-2) on Sunday
- Remaining schedule includes games vs. Dolphins, Bills, and Bengals
The Bottom Line
The addition of Bailey Zappe provides some much-needed insurance at the quarterback position for the Browns. While he may not be a long-term solution, his presence gives Cleveland options as they navigate a tricky situation. If Jameis Winston falters or Thompson-Robinson’s injury lingers, don’t be surprised to see Zappe under center for the Browns at some point this season.
For now, all eyes will be on Sunday’s clash with the Ravens. A win would go a long way in keeping the Browns’ playoff hopes alive. But regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the loss of Deshaun Watson has cast a shadow over Cleveland’s once-promising season. It will take contributions from up and down the roster – and perhaps a little magic from an unexpected source like Bailey Zappe – for the Browns to weather this storm.
