Browns tap Bailey Zappe for finale; 40th starting QB since 1999

Field Level Media|published: Thu 2nd January, 17:17 2025

Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

At the end of another unproductive season, the Cleveland Browns will turn to their fourth starting quarterback of the year and their 40th since 1999.

The Browns on Thursday named Bailey Zappe their starter for the season finale Saturday at the Baltimore Ravens.

Cleveland (3-13) has lost five straight games as Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson had turns under center. Winston took over for Week 1 starter Deshaun Watson, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in October. Winston suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder, paving the way for the Browns to test out Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round draft pick in 2023.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Thompson-Robinson will also get some playing time Saturday.

The Browns' injury report showed that Thompson-Robinson (calf) practiced in full Thursday after being limited Tuesday and Wednesday. Winston was limited each day and is officially questionable.

Nevertheless, the team will turn to Zappe, who has yet to play in a game this season after beginning his career with the New England Patriots (2022-23).

In 14 career games (eight starts) in New England, Zappe threw for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. When the Patriots waived him in August, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, off which the Browns claimed him in October. He was signed to Cleveland's active roster Dec. 3.

--Field Level Media