In Week 18, the Browns head to Baltimore to face the Ravens in the penultimate game of the 2024 season.
Although Cleveland is out of playoff contention, they have the chance to derail Baltimore’s pursuit of the AFC North title. If the Browns beat the Ravens and the Steelers defeat the Bengals, Baltimore will finish second in the division, with Pittsburgh claiming the AFC North crown.
Here are the key narratives and takeaways for Week 18, the final chance to build momentum before heading into the offseason.
Week 18 will see no choice about the starting quarterback.
Kevin Stefanski, the head coach, stated that he had not yet decided who will start as quarterback in Week 18. Although quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson started the first two games, Stefanski stated that both Thompson-Robinson and quarterback Bailey Zappe might be used in the season finale.
Zappe hasn’t played in a game this season since being added to the Browns’ active roster on October 22 from Kansas City’s practice squad. While Winston was the team’s emergency third quarterback in Weeks 16 and 17, he filled in as the backup quarterback.
“Ultimately, Bailey has worked hard to reach this point, though we haven’t seen him in action yet,” Stefanski explained. “Dorian is a young player who is using these reps to continue improving. There’s a possibility we play both, but I want to get through the week before making a final decision.”
Stefanski also mentioned that Jameis Winston, recovering from a shoulder injury, will serve as the third-string backup quarterback for Week 18.
The third-year quarterback, who established the FBS single-season records in 2021 with 5,967 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns, has pleased wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who hasn’t had much practice experience receiving throws from Zappe.
Jeudy remarked, “He’s got a great arm,” “I am aware of his actions during his time in college; he shattered every record. I had a brief encounter with him while he was with the Patriots. He reads defenses well and is an excellent passer.
Ahead of the Browns’ game on Saturday, January 4, Stefanski promised to give an update on his quarterback intentions by the end of the week.
Considering the influence of Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel, a seasoned head coach, served as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Browns for the 2024 season. Vrabel’s contract has been modified to give him a “head start” in interviews for head coaching openings, Stefanski announced today.
During practice, Vrabel frequently worked with the offensive line and tight ends, occasionally donning blocking pads and performing drills against players.
Stefanski remarked, “Coach Vrabes is one of my favorites,” “Just a solid human being. He was really helpful to our scout team defense, to myself, and to this football team. He will succeed greatly. A team will be fortunate to have him, in my opinion.
In 2001, 2003, and 2004, Vrabel won three Super Bowl championships with the Patriots during his 14-year NFL career as a linebacker. He was the head coach of the Titans for six seasons before to joining the Browns.
Injury Updates
The Browns have promoted RB John Kelly Jr. to the active roster following injuries to RB Pierre Strong Jr. and RB Jerome Ford during Week 17 against the Dolphins.
“There’s a familiarity with John,” Stefanski noted. “His knowledge of the system, his skillset, and his strengths are crucial as we prepare on a short week.”
Despite the roster move, neither Strong nor Ford has been ruled out for Week 18. Ford managed to play one snap in the second half after sustaining an ankle injury in the second quarter against Miami, while Strong is currently undergoing concussion protocol.
Although he did not rule out any players, Stefanski stated that he would work through the range of ailments, including those to Ford and Strong. TE David Njoku, who missed Week 17 due to a knee injury, was one of the players Stefanski listed as having a possibility to play this week.
WR Cedric Tillman, who was placed on the injured list due to a concussion, is one player who will not play in the Browns’ season-ending game. Tillman was sidelined for the next five games after suffering a concussion against the Steelers in Week 12.
Despite the IR designation, Stefanski stated that he anticipated Tillman to be “ready to roll” the following season. Tillman had his best season as a professional in his second season, finishing with 29 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns, all of which were career highs.
“I’m definitely sad for Ced. It was unfortunate that he was hurt because he was playing well there,” Stefanski remarked. “He will put in a lot of effort because his opportunities increased as his playing time increased and he was out there.” He’s a young player, in my opinion, and will focus a lot of this offseason on developing further.”
