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2h ago

Browns Finalize QB Plan: Flacco Starts, Gabriel Backs Up, Shedeur Sanders Named Emergency No. 3

Coaches frame the decision as a long-term development plan for the rookie.

Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Overview

  • Head coach Kevin Stefanski set the Week 1 depth chart with Joe Flacco starting, Dillon Gabriel as QB2, and Shedeur Sanders dressing only as the emergency third quarterback.
  • Dillon Gabriel secured the backup job after a steadier preseason showing, completing 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
  • Cleveland reshaped the room by trading Kenny Pickett to the Raiders and signing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad for veteran depth and system familiarity.
  • Travis Kelce publicly urged the Browns to start Sanders as commentators questioned the team’s handling, while Stefanski rejected sabotage claims and emphasized Sanders’ development.
  • Deshaun Watson remains on the reserve/PUP list with a late-October reevaluation reported as possible, a variable that could reshape snaps later in the season.