The Cleveland Browns have waived quarterback Bailey Zappe ahead of Monday night’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Zappe joined the Browns’ active roster on October 22 to provide depth while Dorian Thompson-Robinson dealt with a finger injury and Deshaun Watson was sidelined for the season. Although Zappe didn’t see game action in Cleveland, his signing drew attention due to his past performance.
A fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe made a mark in New England, starting in eight games across two seasons and appearing in 14 overall. The 25-year-old quarterback accumulated 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during his time with the Patriots. While he could return to the Browns’ practice squad, it’s also possible another team may claim him.
To fill the vacant roster spot, the Browns signed rookie defensive tackle Jowon Briggs from their practice squad. Briggs, a seventh-round pick out of Cincinnati, had spent the entire season on the practice squad.
The team also elevated two pass-catchers, Kadarius Toney and Michael Woods II, for the Broncos game. However, wide receiver Cedric Tillman, safety Juan Thornhill, left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., defensive tackle Sam Kamara, and cornerback Myles Harden will not play.
Jameis Winston Finding His Groove in Cleveland
Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston has stepped into the starting role following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury. Winston has brought more big-play potential and consistency to the Browns’ offense.
The team is 2-2 with Winston under center. So far, he has thrown for 1,266 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions.
“He’s getting more and more comfortable just operating the offense, more and more comfortable with the guys around him—his receivers, his tight ends, backs, body language, how they’re running routes against different looks,” said Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. “With his experience, he’s been able to step in, be efficient, and operate our offense effectively.”
Thompson-Robinson has been serving as Winston’s backup and has played in a few snaps to add variety to the offense.
WR Jerry Jeudy Prepares to Face Former Team
One of the most intriguing storylines of the game is wide receiver Jerry Jeudy’s return to Denver, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2020. The Browns acquired Jeudy this offseason for fifth and sixth-round draft picks.
“It just wasn’t working over there,” Jeudy said. “I felt like I was a way better player than they used me as. I wanted to go somewhere that would use me, see my full potential, and take advantage of it.”
Since arriving in Cleveland, Jeudy has become a key weapon for the Browns, especially after the departure of Amari Cooper, their former No. 1 receiver. This season, Jeudy has recorded 46 receptions for 645 yards and two touchdowns.
The Browns enter the primetime matchup as 5.5-point underdogs, according to ESPN BET.
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