Time’s running out for Kevin Stefanski to name the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the Panthers on August 8. The chosen player may not secure the Week 1 spot against the Bengals, but it could calm fans shaken by last season’s three-win flop, the worst since the 0-16 debacle in 2017. Cleveland’s cycled through 40 starters since 1999-most in the NFL-with only Tim Couch and Baker Mayfield playing full seasons. The quarterback race features Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, with Joe Flacco as a dependable backup.
Sanders Sidelined by Arm Soreness in Training Camp
At least for one day, the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle slimmed down to just two active participants. Rookie Shedeur Sanders skipped all competitive drills in Saturday morning’s session. It wasn’t until post-practice that the team shared details through a spokesperson: Sanders sat out because of “arm soreness.” According to Cleveland.com, Sanders informed the medical team of discomfort during initial individual work, with further checks planned for Saturday afternoon.
In Friday’s outing, the former Colorado Buffaloes star completed 70% of his throws, including a touchdown without turnovers, highlighting his accuracy. Joe Flacco also stood out, going 9-for-13 with two touchdowns, while Kenny Pickett, dealing with a hamstring issue, avoided team activities. Pickett returned limited on Friday and Saturday, sticking to individual drills. With only two QBs ready Saturday, Flacco took 26 reps in key drills, and rookie Dillon Gabriel handled 25.
After four earlier practices, the Browns held additional opportunity sessions, splitting reps evenly between Gabriel and Sanders in various scenarios. Sanders remains the only quarterback among the four who has not played with the first-team starters. Stefanski hasn’t outlined preseason playing plans yet, but flexibility might be key depending on health. Sunday is a rest day for the players. They’ll practice Monday afternoon before traveling to Charlotte on Tuesday.
Quarterback Class of 2025
Besides the Titans’ first overall pick, Cam Ward, the remaining 12 quarterbacks selected in the last draft will likely start the season on the bench. However, some have projections to be starters in the near future, such as Jaxson Dart with the Giants, Jalen Milroe with the Seahawks, and Will Howard with the Steelers. The rest will have to find their own way and look for a place on the team that drafted them or elsewhere if necessary.
Of course the two who generate the most intrigue are undoubtedly Dillon Gabriel, the Browns’ 94th pick, who arrived as a national champion, and Shedeur Sanders, the Browns’ 144th pick, who has more opportunities because of his last name. Sanders has come to the NFL with a lot of media attention, which he has handled wonderfully. However, the most important thing in the NFL is to show your game, not to generate media attention.
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