With Kenny Pickett sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is beginning to take shape. This unexpected opening significantly improves Joe Flacco’s odds of seizing the starting role heading into the 2025 season.
During minicamps, Flacco was not heavily featured in snaps under center. However, this was largely by design; as a proven veteran, he did not need extensive work in sessions geared more toward younger players and rookies. Now, with Pickett’s injury altering the depth chart, all signs point to Flacco stepping in to lead the offense.
A golden opportunity for Joe Flacco
Pickett’s absence presents Flacco with a prime chance to reclaim a starting job. In 2023, he demonstrated he could guide Cleveland to the postseason.
The question now is whether the 40-year-old version of Flacco can replicate that success two seasons later. Entering his 18th NFL campaign, Flacco could start a season for the 14th time in his career. His recent stint with the Indianapolis Colts revitalized his reputation, and now the focus shifts to whether head coach Kevin Stefanski will entrust him with full control of the offense to build confidence and rhythm.
The window narrows for Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders endured significant draft drama earlier this year, falling to the fifth round at pick No. 144 overall to Cleveland. The slide surprised many analysts, particularly given the number of quarterback-needy teams that passed on him in earlier rounds.
As training camp opens, Sanders remains fourth on the depth chart. The initial reps have gone to Flacco and Pickett, followed by rookie Dillon Gabriel, leaving Sanders at the bottom of the rotation. Despite standing only 5-foot-10 and facing typical size-based skepticism, Gabriel appears to have earned Stefanski’s favor over Sanders, further complicating the latter’s path.
The Browns’ unusual situation of carrying four quarterbacks led to split offensive units during camp, offering everyone evaluation time. But that experiment is ending, which will reduce reps and limit Sanders’ opportunities even further. Historically, fifth-round quarterbacks rarely ascend to starting roles, and the presence of Gabriel-a second-round pick-only deepens the challenge.
Pickett’s injury could, in theory, open a door for Sanders, but there is no guarantee he will benefit. Momentum within the rookie group appears to be shifting toward Gabriel. Yet, in Cleveland’s unpredictable environment, the possibility of all four quarterbacks remaining in the mix cannot be ruled out.
For now, all eyes turn to the start of preseason, which kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game, marking the unofficial beginning of the NFL calendar, and the first real test for the Browns’ crowded quarterback room. Happy New Year! For all football fans who were expecting this particular day with anxiety. Now is the day to start enjoying the last semester. The NFL is back,
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