Why Joe Flacco is starting for Browns vs. Rams in Week 13 instead of Dorian Thompson-Robinson

The Browns will be turning to a veteran in Sunday football action as Dorian Thompson-Robinson will remain off the field still in concussion protocol.

Here's everything to know about Joe Flacco being named the starter ahead of the weekend:

Joe Flacco update

Former Baltimore Ravens and New York Hets quarterback Joe Flacco will be starting for the Browns on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams while UCLA product Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains in concussion protocol.

Flacco is now on the fourth team of his NFL career, once named a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. With Deshaun Watson out for the season with a shoulder injury, Cleveland needed a veteran to step up.

Enter Flacco, who the Browns chose to start with former XFL legend PJ Walker backing him up in the upcoming contest.

The last time the 38-year-old started, or saw in-game action for that matter, was in Week 18 of the 2022 season when he and the Jets fell to Miami, 11-6.

Over the course of his career, Flacco has taken the field for 15 years between the Ravens, Broncos and the Jets, completing 61.6% of his passes for 42,320 yards with 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Browns had planned to sign Flacco to the practice squad with the intention of promoting him to the active roster. 

Clearly, that's all gone through and Flacco is now at the top of the depth chart.

Browns QB depth chart

Thompson-Robinson was previously the top player on the depth chart for Cleveland at quarterback. That is obviously no longer the chase moving into Sunday until Thompson-Robinson makes a full recovery. 

If Flacco is to go down for any reason, Walker will be the signal-caller stepping in for the Browns.

Joe Flacco stats

Here's a look at his stats throughout his career: