The Pittsburgh Steelers were originally expecting to see Cleveland Browns' quarterback, Deshaun Watson in Week 11. News broke early on Wednesday that plans had changed. Watson is set to miss the remainder of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury and the organization will look to rookie, Dorian Thompson-Robinson to lead the way. The AFC North is getting nailed with injuries, as Cincinnati Bengals' signal-caller, Joe Burrow left Thursday Night Football with an apparent wrist ailment, and Baltimore Ravens' tight end, Mark Andrews will miss the rest of the year due to a nasty ankle injury that he suffered in the game.
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Steelers edge rusher, Alex Highsmith (#56) pursues Cleveland Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson (#4) during a regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
In another shocking turn of events, the Browns are apparently looking at veteran quarterbacks to potentially bring in to boost their offensive depth at the position. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the franchise is hosting former Super Bowl-winning signal-caller, Joe Flacco for a workout on Friday, among some other quarterbacks.
The #Browns are hosting a QB workout this morning, and sources say former Super Bowl MVP and #Ravens QB Joe Flacco is among them. Flacco last played for the #Jets and has kept his mind open about a return.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2023
With Deshaun Watson’s injury, adding a practice squad player is likely. pic.twitter.com/93hx9LAsBC
Flacco is no stranger to the AFC North. He played with the Ravens for 11 seasons which included a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2012 season. He has a decorated background with 42,320 career passing yards as well as 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions. Fans in Baltimore might look at it as a betrayal, but is has been widely known that Flacco was looking for any potential chance to get back into the NFL after spending 2022 with the New York Jets.
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Former New York Jets quarterback, Joe Flacco (#19) walks off the field after a regular season matchup against the Dolphins in Miami, FL.
Steelers Won't Face Flacco In 2023 Regular Season
If the Browns were to bring Flacco in, he would begin on the practice squad as he works his way into NFL, regular-season-type shape. Pittsburgh plays Cleveland in Week 11 and there wouldn't be a chance that he suits up for the big divisional showdown. The only way that the Steelers would see Flacco would be if the two teams met in the playoffs.
Don't mistake the potential addition as a fix for Watson's injury. The Browns are going to rely on the rookie, and having a veteran like Flacco in the room can do way more good than it can bad. He also has a plethora of playoff experience, which is something that Cleveland is probably hoping comes in handy when January rolls around.
The Steelers will now have a huge advantage in both Weeks 11 and 12. They will get Thompson-Robinson on Sunday and it's possible that Jake Browning will be the quarterback for the Bengals in Week 12 if Burrow's wrist injury is significant. One has to believe that TJ Watt and his defense are licking their chops getting ready for both matchups. Two young and inexperienced signal-callers against Pittsburgh's defense is a recipe for disaster.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers stars TJ Watt (#90) and Cameron Heyward (#97) stretch prior to a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Time will tell if the Browns are going to sign Flacco, but it sure seems well within the realm of possibility. It would be an important addition to a team desperate to give their fan base another postseason experience. Flacco and Matt Ryan may have been the best veteran options to bring in to help a young quarterback navigate his way through December in the NFL. This story is developing and no pen has been put to paper, but Flacco could be a Brown might the end of the day on Friday.
Are you surprised that Flacco would be interested in joining the Browns? Let us know in the comments below!
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