Browns fans want Jameis Winston to replace struggling starter Deshaun Watson. The Browns see the situation differently.

Winston is one of the team's inactive players today and will serve as an emergency quarterback. Sophomore Dorian Thompson-Robinson was promoted to primary backup to Watson. Thompson-Robinson was the inactive emergency quarterback in each of the first six games.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he is sticking with Watson as the starter because Watson gives the Browns the best chance to win. The 1-5 Browns have lost four straight and have yet to score 20 points in a game this season.

Winston was playing in a sneaker role as a short-yardage quarterback, but the Browns attempted a trick play on third-and-1 last week with Winston in the game and lost yardage on an end-around to wide receiver Cedric Tillman. Stefanski called it a “misunderstanding,” but did not elaborate.

Other than Winston, there were no other surprising Browns inactives. Ethan Pocic will start at center despite a knee injury and Nick Chubb will start at running back in Chubb's debut in 2024. Jerome Ford, the team's former running back, is inactive due to a hamstring injury.

Also inactive are cornerback Khaleif Hailassie, safety Ronnie Hickman, linebacker Nathaniel Watson and senior defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, who has a healthy backup for the second straight week. Safety Juan Thornhill is listed as the starter as Thornhill returns after a five-game absence due to a calf injury.