Mailbag: Will Joe Flacco keep starting job, end QB carousel?

Q: Do you think Joe Flacco remains the starter for the rest of the year??

— @DavidHanna1988

Q: Flacco hops on the Browns’ QB merry-go-round. Can he finally end the madness?

— @loveandnate

A: Pretty much one answer for two questions, saving me some work.

This is the most important issue facing the Browns over the final six games and will determine whether they finish what should be a playoff season. I wish I had a more definitive answer for you guys.

Browns remain confident, place faith in Joe Flacco

If Flacco plays well today in his Browns debut against the Rams, coach Kevin Stefanski would be foolish to go back to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson when he clears the concussion protocol. Thompson-Robinson made progress in his second and third starts, but the offense is limited with him. That doesn’t mean the Browns can’t win games with him, but if Flacco doesn’t have too much rust in his first start in nearly a year, he gives the Browns more upside. He’s got a better arm and can stretch the field, which should open things for the run game. Of course, if Flacco struggles, Stefanski’s decision will be more difficult. Thompson-Robinson is supposed to be part of the future and has potential.

There’s a reason Flacco hasn’t been a full-time starter in years and wasn’t signed by anyone until Nov. 20, so I don’t expect him to be a savior. But he should be able to manage the game and make a few explosive plays downfield. With the league’s No. 1 defense, that should be enough to win at least three of the final six and get into the playoffs. That’s assuming he can take a hit and doesn’t get hurt. He is 38 years old, after all.

Browns-Rams Preview: 3 things to watch, 3 key numbers, the prediction

The biggest concern with Flacco is a lack of athleticism. He’s not going to avoid many sacks or pick up first downs with his legs, which his three predecessors this season all could do. This puts more pressure on the protection, but that should be a strength given the resources devoted to the interior of the line and with rookie right tackle Dawand Jones playing well. The concern is left tackle Geron Christian, who’s filling in for Jedrick Wills Jr., who’s on injured reserve with a knee sprain. The coaches must give Christian help, and if they do, Flacco should find comfort in the pocket and make throws all over the field.

I’m not predicting a Browns win today, but I do expect Flacco to be good enough to stop the carousel and keep the job for as long as he’s healthy this season. He gives them the best chance.

Q: I was reading over the NFL’s Injury Report Policy and it states when teams provide injury updates, the information must be “credible, accurate, timely, and specific within the guidelines of the policy.” My question is have the Browns lived up to the NFL’s injury reporting policy this season? What the team has said this season at times feels more like their own aspirations over facts because even as a fan it does not pass a basic eye test.

— John Palazzo

A: Interesting question. I monitor the injury report closely and I haven’t noticed the issues to which you’re alluding. Many of the players listed as questionable have played and some haven’t. That’s the nature of questionable.

They also tend to have a long list of guys on the practice report, so I don’t see them deliberately hiding injuries.

I do have a couple of questions. They routinely list a few guys as not practicing Wednesdays due to rest when they’re also listed with an injury. I think that meets the rules, but it’s harder to tell if they’re really out due to the injury than the usual rest day. Lastly, Myles Garrett said before the Broncos game last week his shoulder was hurting. It was part of him saying the season is long and he’s getting old, so he might have been joking or exaggerating. Then he hurt the left shoulder during the game and left the stadium in a sling. He said it was a new injury and unrelated to the sprained AC joint in the same shoulder sustained in a one-car accident last year. The only time shoulder was listed on the report this season was before the Cardinals game Nov. 5. It may not be anything, but it’s worth watching.

Q: Why do we still have the sport’s most precarious QB situation? I thought we were supposed to be all-in about winning this year? How much more ready to contribute might Flacco be had they signed him as soon as Deshaun Watson got hurt? And as most intelligent organizations would have. With all the experience we’ve been having with QBs being injured, why are we not providing ourselves another alternative on our spacious practice squad, so as to not only be further protected but to be giving that guy a chance to bone up on our system and become familiar with our roster?

— Mark Leonard

A: Certainly a valid question, especially given the importance of the position and everything the organization has been through with it since returning in 1999.

But I’m going to start by playing devil’s advocate. The number of quality quarterbacks is finite and spread across 32 teams. Expecting the Browns to have an unlimited supply is unrealistic. And if you look across the league, plenty of teams are thin. The Bengals are starting Jake Browning after the season-ending injury to Joe Burrow.

But your points have merit. Watson’s initial shoulder injury could’ve put the Browns on notice, yet they decided Watson was healthy and they were fine with Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker off the bench. Watson’s shoulder may have been fine, but it wasn’t after the Ravens game. And you’re right, the earlier Flacco would’ve been added, it’s fair to assume the better he would’ve been when needed. In fact, if Flacco had arrived a week earlier, he may have been the backup last week when Thompson-Robinson was hurt. That could’ve made a huge difference in the disastrous fourth quarter.

As for the practice squad, the Browns have consistently gone with one quarterback and haven’t committed to one. In fairness, if one shows promise, other teams will come calling.

Q: Looking at the Browns roster, who’s your top 3 candidates to be Santa at this year’s holiday party?

— @MrEd315

A: A great one to end. I’m behind on my Christmas shopping, tree buying and decorating after nine days on the road, so this will help get me in the holiday spirit.

I have to go with Joel Bitonio No. 1. He’s got the build, beard and personality to play a great Santa. Give me Dalvin Tomlinson next. His smile is perfect for Santa, and he’s got the belly, too. And how about a dark horse No. 3: long snapper Charley Hughlett. He’s got facial hair and is nice.

Browns writer for The Chronicle-Telegram and The Medina Gazette. Proud graduate of Northwestern University. Husband and stepdad. Avid golfer who needs to hit the range to get down to a single-digit handicap. Right about Johnny Manziel, wrong about Brandon Weeden. Contact Scott at 440-329-7253, or email and follow him on and Twitter.