Four unanswered quarterback questions heading into Sunday of Week 14

Sign up for NFL+ to watch The Insiders every Monday-Friday at noon ET for more exclusive reports.

One of the defining themes of the 2023 season has been instability at the quarterback position.

There have been an eye-popping number of backups starting games this year -- 22, according to NFL Research. And there is a very real chance several teams with backup QBs make the playoffs and advance.

Here is a breakdown of this week's major QB issues heading into Sunday, following conversations with a variety of sources.

Joe Flacco was once again elevated to the active roster from the practice squad, and although he's still awaiting a full-time spot on the 53-man roster, he is expected to start today. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who cleared the NFL's concussion protocol this week, is slated to be Flacco's backup, while PJ Walker was waived.

Flacco impressed off his couch last week against the Rams, going 23 of 44 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The late pick was costly in a Los Angeles win, but one poor decision won't be the determining factor in Cleveland's QB decision. At 38 years old and with a playoff spot in reach, Flacco has a chance to lead Cleveland there.

Editor's Note: Trevor Lawrence will start for the Jaguars on Sunday against the Browns.

Trevor Lawrence suffered a high ankle sprain on Monday, damaging the ligament that connects the tibia and fibula. Lawrence faced an uphill battle to be ready for Sunday's game against the Browns. Yet his mobility and stability had improved enough by Thursday and Friday for him to be limited in practice, and he received a questionable designation heading into the weekend.

Head coach Doug Pederson described himself as "still optimistic" about Lawrence's status, and the