Kevin Stefanski: We wanted to give Dorian Thompson-Robinson a full week to prepare

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed in his Wednesday press conference that Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start at quarterback against the Bengals on Sunday.

It will be Thompson-Robinson's fourth career start after he made three last season.

“Just felt like [we] wanted to give him an opportunity — and give him an entire week to prepare as a starter. So, that’s what went into the decision,” Stefanski said. “I think he had two games where he had the whole week’s worth of preparation, so that’s important here. I think, obviously, diving into the preparation, using every single one of these days to get better, understand the whys of all the plays.”

Thompson-Robinson has made four appearances this season, one of which came in the last matchup against Cincinnati on Oct. 20 when Deshaun Watson suffered his torn Achilles. He’s completed 15-of-34 passes for 100 yards with three interceptions in 2024.

“[W]e’re trying to find a way to win against a division opponent on the road,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, we need to take better care of the football as an offense. That’s the obvious part of it. That’s Dorian’s job, that’s the offense’s job, that’s everybody who touches the ball’s job. It’s not about one person.”

Jameis Winston, who was benched after throwing three interceptions against the Chiefs last week, will be the team’s backup quarterback. Stefanski didn’t say whether Thompson-Robinson would start the last three games, saying it’s week-to-week.

Bailey Zappe is also on Cleveland’s roster, should the team want to give him a look before the season ends.