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Bailey Zappe to be added to Cleveland Browns roster off Chiefs practice squad for QB depth

The Browns plan to add quarterback Bailey Zappe off of the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero was the first to report.

Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury leaves the Browns with just two quarterbacks on the active roster in Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jameis Winston. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday the team was going to add another quarterback, but wasn't sure whether it would be to the active roster or practice squad.

Adding to the need is the fact Thompson-Robinson is dealing with a finger injury which may limit his availability this week. Stefanski was uncertain if the second-year pro would be able to start Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Zappe, 25, appeared in 14 games over two seasons with the New England Patriots in 2022-23, with eight starts. He was on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad this season.

The best performance of Zappe's career came in his second start, in Week 6 of the 2022 season, when he threw for a career-high 309 yards and posted a career-best 118.4 passer rating in a 38-15 win over the Browns in Cleveland. He completed 24 of 34 passes that day, while throwing a pair of touchdowns.

Zappe only appeared in four games with two starts in 2022, then started six of his 10 appearances in 2023. He completed 192 of 304 passes (63.2%) for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 78.5 passer rating.

(This story was updated with new information.)

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bailey Zappe to be added to Browns roster off Chiefs practice squad