Overview

• Cleveland will open with Joe Flacco as the starter, Dillon Gabriel as the backup and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders inactive as the third quarterback.
• Hickman praised Gabriel’s maturity and Sanders’ dedication and said the team will be intentional about their development and evaluation during the season.
• Reporter Mary Kay Cabot says the Browns could turn to Gabriel quickly if Flacco struggles, with Sanders expected to see game action later in the year.
• The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner projects Cleveland to select South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers in 2026, a prediction that media analyses say could complicate Sanders’ long-term path.
• The Browns signed veteran Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, slotting him behind Flacco, Gabriel and Sanders.