The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that Joe Flacco will continue to be a part of the team’s practice squad leading up to their upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While this announcement triggered some concern among Browns fans, it’s essential to clarify that Flacco will remain with the Browns and won’t be available for other teams to sign.
In the NFL, practice squad rules are fairly straightforward:
- Practice squad players can be included in the gameday roster up to three times during the season.
- After these initial three designations, they return to the practice squad.
- Upon the fourth designation to the gameday roster, they must be signed to the 53-man roster.
- If not signed to the 53-man roster after the fourth game, they enter the waiver wire and can be picked up by any team.
- Teams are allowed to activate two practice squad players per week.
This situation mirrors a similar one earlier in the season when quarterback PJ Walker went through the same routine. After his third game, he was moved to the 53-man roster and is now an active part of the roster.
The Browns’ decision to keep Flacco on the practice squad is driven by the desire not to use a third roster spot specifically for a quarterback. Both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker have exhausted their practice squad weeks. Thus, for the next two weeks, Flacco is expected to retain the “practice squad” player designation in name only.
Flacco’s debut with the Browns showcased moments of his enduring skill and potential to lead the team to the playoffs. Despite a 36-19 loss to the Rams, he had a solid performance, completing 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Given uncertainties about Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s health, Flacco is likely to continue as the quarterback, at least in the short term.
Leave a Reply