What It Means:

Walker was expected to take over as the starter after Deshaun Watson (shoulder surgery) was declared done for the season, but the Browns are turning to fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson instead. Walker has completed less than of his pass attempts across two starts and three relief appearances this season, with 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions.

Among the 36 quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks this season, Walker only ranks above Daniel Jones in Passing Net Expected Points per attempt. However, DTR is last in that metric out of the the 45 quarterbacks with at least 40 dropbacks, so Walker could wind up back under center before the end of the year. The Steelers have the eighth-best pass defense in the NFL this season, per our opponent-adjusted NEP metric.