As QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson prepares to make his first NFL start since Week 11 of the 2023 season, he reflected on what he’s learned from the year separating his most recent start from his upcoming start in Week 16 against the Bengals.

“From a year ago at this time, a whole lot,” Thompson-Robinson said. “I didn’t know much coming into this thing about being a quarterback at a high level. Getting to see guys like Joe (Flacco), P.J. (Walker), Deshaun (Watson) and now Jameis (Winston) go in there and do their thing, being able to take all these experiences and put them into one is kind of the player I’m making myself into today.”

Head coach Kevin Stefanski officially announced Thompson-Robinson as the starter for Week 16, and emphasized the importance of Thompson-Robinson getting a full week of practice ahead of his first start this season – which sparked the decision to come early in the prep week.

In a typical practice week, the starting quarterback is the only quarterback getting meaningful reps during practice. Thompson-Robinson said he was looking forward to being the lone signal caller during the practice week after spending most of the season on the sidelines.

“There’s only one quarterback out there for a reason, and that guy needs all the reps he can get – whether it’s timing, the footwork, the snap, the motion,” Thompson-Robinson said. “Just all the things that it takes, the operational things that can really help you get at ease when it comes to throwing the ball and being in the right spot.”

Thompson-Robinson’s growth and maturity over his second season in the NFL have earned the approval of his head coach. Stefanski said he was impressed with the effort he has seen from Thompson-Robinson when given playing opportunities throughout the year.

He entered the Browns’ Week 7 loss to the Bengals after Watson suffered an Achilles injury, throwing for 82 yards and two interceptions. On his first series of the game, he led a scoring drive capped by a rushing touchdown from RB Nick Chubb. Thompson-Robinson also took over for Winston in the Browns’ Week 15 loss to the Chiefs, completing four passes for 18 yards and an interception.

“A young player that’s really gotten better in every area,” Stefanski said. “He’s done a very, very good job of getting up to speed on all the nuance of the position. He’s done a very good job of keeping himself prepared for when a moment comes that he’s being put in there. So, he’s really taken to the preparation part of this really well.”