Sat Jan 04 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Browns to Start Bailey Zappe Against Ravens in Season Finale

**BEREA, OH** – The Cleveland Browns will send Bailey Zappe to the field as their starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, ESPN confirmed Thursday. Coach Kevin Stefanski announced that while both Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will see playing time, Zappe will get the starting nod.

This marks Zappe’s eighth career start and makes him the 40th different quarterback to start for the Browns since their return to Cleveland in 1999 – the most in the NFL. The former New England Patriot, signed by Cleveland after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, boasts a career completion percentage of 63.2% with 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Thompson-Robinson, who started the last two games, will be relegated to a backup role after a less-than-stellar performance in his recent appearances. Jameis Winston will serve as the emergency quarterback.

The Browns’ decision comes with significant draft implications. A loss to the Ravens, coupled with wins by the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, would secure the Browns the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Further complicating matters, the Browns also ruled out five key players for Saturday’s game, including Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, tight end David Njoku, and running back Jerome Ford.

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