Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson leaves game vs. Broncos in third quarter

DENVER - Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson left Sunday’s game against the Broncos after taking a hard hit on a third-and-12 pass with 11 seconds remaining in the third quarter. He is being evaluated for a head injury.

P.J. Walker replaced Thompson-Robinson.

Thompson-Robinson was hit by Broncos linebacker Baron Browning as he released the throw near his own goalline. Browning was flagged for roughing the passer.

Thompson-Robinson spent time in the blue medical tent before walking to the Browns locker room with a towel over his head.

With the ball on the Browns’ 23-yard line, Thompson-Robinson scrambled trying to find a receiver and took the shot from Browning, who appeared to lead with his helmet as he hit Thompson-Robinson on his right shoulder, all the way back at the goalline. Thompson-Robinson crumpled to the ground and Browns medical staff attended to him.

The penalty moved the Browns out to their own 38, but the drive ended two plays later when Elijah Moore fumbled a pitch on an end-around trying to get the ball to running back Pierre Strong Jr. Denver converted the turnover into a touchdown to take a 23-12 lead.

The fifth-round rookie quarterback had found some momentum in the second half of the game and completed 14-of-29 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game. He rushed five times for 21 yards.

If Thompson-Robinson is forced to miss time, it could mean the start of the Joe Flacco era in Cleveland sooner than expected. The Browns signed Flacco to their practice squad on Monday and he wasn’t elevated for Sunday’s game. He is with the team on this trip as they will spend the week in Los Angeles ahead of next Sunday’s game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.