CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday in Cincinnati with the switch coming after Jameis Winston threw three more interceptions, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

  • A person familiar with the decision says the Cleveland Browns will start quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday in Cincinnati instead of Jameis Winston

  • Winston, who took over Cleveland’s starting job in October when Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury, was benched after throwing his third pick in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 21-7 loss to the Chiefs

  • Thompson-Robinson finished the game and will now face the Bengals, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not commented

  • Thompson-Robinson started three games last season as a rookie

Thompson-Robinson, 25, was selected in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He came in for relief last week in the second half after starter Jameis Winston was benched. He was benched after throwing his third pick — and eighth in three games — in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thompson-Robinson finished the game and will now face the Bengals (6-8), said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not commented.

The Browns (3-11) are off Tuesday.

Thompson-Robinson appeared in eight games for the Browns last season, including three starts. He was 60-112 for 440 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions during the 2023 season. He also had 14 rushing attempts for 65 yards.

The Browns have had up-and-down QB play this season. Deshaun Watson started the season but had poor play and then suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in Week 7. Jameis Winston replaced Watson and started seven games for the Browns. He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 8.

It has not been a great season for the Browns, as they have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

On Monday, coach Kevin Stefanski said he and his staff were working through their plans at QB, but his lack of commitment toward Winston was a strong sign he would make the change to Thompson-Robinson.

While Winston did get Cleveland's offense going, he went 2-5 and threw 12 interceptions. He passed for 497 yards two weeks ago against Denver, but threw a pair of interceptions that were returned for touchdowns.

Thompson-Robinson went 1-2 in three starts as a rookie last season. In two years, he's completed 75 of 146 passes (51.4%) for 540 yards and a touchdown. He has thrown seven interceptions.

He’s expected to start the final three games, giving the organization a better evaluation with the position unsettled for 2025.

The Browns have high hopes for the 25-year-old and will use the next three games to assess Thompson-Robinson's development and see whether he can be in the mix to be their starter in 2025.

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