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2h ago

Browns Finalize Week 1 QB Plan: Flacco Starts, Gabriel Backs Up, Sanders Named Emergency

Cleveland signals a veteran-first approach to navigate a rugged opening schedule.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates during player introductions before an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Kevin Stefanski confirmed Shedeur Sanders as the game-day emergency third quarterback under the NFL rule, meaning he dresses but only plays if Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel are unavailable.
  • The Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Raiders for a fifth-round pick, clearing the way for third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel to be the primary backup behind Flacco.
  • Cleveland added Bailey Zappe to the practice squad for depth, with Stefanski calling the move insurance rather than a reshuffle of the depth chart.
  • Team insiders and analysts say Gabriel’s path to QB1 likely hinges on a Flacco injury or results prompting a midseason evaluation, and Robert Mays reports the plan is shaped by schedule-driven organizational strategy.
  • Deshaun Watson remains on the PUP list as he rehabs a torn Achilles, reinforcing the Browns’ choice to open at Cincinnati with Flacco leading a veteran-heavy approach.