Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will be taking the field as the Cleveland Browns' fourth starting quarterback this season in their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The team made the announcement on Friday, less than two weeks after Flacco signed with the Browns' practice squad.

Flacco will be replacing Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is currently in the concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Browns' Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos. The decision to start Flacco over PJ Walker, who started two games this season and will now be the backup, was made by the Browns' coaching staff. This quarterback carousel began when Deshaun Watson went down with a shoulder injury and subsequently underwent season-ending surgery in November.

Flacco, who last played in an NFL game on January 8 for the Jets, has been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to showcase his skills once again. His last victory came against the Browns in Week 2 last season when he led the Jets to a thrilling come-from-behind win with a game-winning touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson. Despite the lack of recent action, Flacco's professionalism and intelligence have impressed Browns coach Kevin Stefanski.

Wide receiver Amari Cooper also praised Flacco, noting his ability to throw a "very pretty ball" that is reminiscent of poetry in motion. Flacco himself expressed excitement for the opportunity, especially with the Browns currently sitting at a 7-4 record and aiming for a postseason berth. He mentioned that having young kids adds to the excitement and puts things into perspective.

Flacco brings an impressive resume to the Browns, having been named Super Bowl MVP during the 2012 season with the Baltimore Ravens. Throughout his 15-year career, he has thrown for 42,320 yards and 232 touchdowns. After spending 11 years in Baltimore, Flacco served as a backup with the Denver Broncos in 2019 and the Jets from 2020 to 2022. During his time with the Jets, he started nine games and accumulated 2,253 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Flacco will be the backup quarterback for Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is still in concussion protocol. Flacco took first-team reps in practice on Wednesday, but it remains uncertain whether Thompson-Robinson will be cleared in time for Sunday's game. The Browns are hopeful that Flacco's strong arm and ability to make every throw will be a valuable asset in their upcoming matchup against the Rams.

Flacco joined the Browns' practice squad last week after the team lost starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for the remainder of the season due to a fracture in his throwing shoulder. Flacco, who has expressed his confidence in his abilities and his belief that he can still perform at a high level, had been patiently waiting for an opportunity to arise. With his signing with the Browns, it seems that opportunity has finally presented itself.

Having played 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including a Super Bowl victory, Flacco brings a wealth of experience to the Browns. He also had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos before spending three seasons with the Jets. Now, Flacco is ready to take the field once again and show that he still has what it takes to lead a team to success.