“Let’s get through today — then you and I will chat.” This is what Cleveland Browns‘ head coach, Kevin Stefanski, told a reporter when asked for an update on the position battle raging between four quarterbacks during training camp. Sounds like he might just have something to say, but he’s apparently not yet ready to make it known publicly. With just three weeks until the start of the regular season, time is running out for Stefanski to make a decision.
At the start of camp, veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett were expected to battle for the starting gig, with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders factoring in as well, though how seriously was an unknown. Things are definitely more complicated now, and a competition that has never had much clarity has even less now. Stefanski doesn’t seem inclined to dispel any of that confusion, at least not yet.
Injuries Have Played a Major Role in This Decision
Mitchell Leff/GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 16: Dillon Gabriel #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to see a true four-way battle play out as we anticipated. Injuries have rocked the Browns’ quarterback room since early in camp, when offseason trade acquisition Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury he still hasn’t returned from. Pickett made waves in the first few practices, and might have been staking his claim as the best quarterback on the roster. Having missed most of camp, however, he’ll have a tough time making up for lost ground whenever he’s able to get back on the field.
Rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel suffered a hamstring injury of his own on August 2nd, forcing him to miss Cleveland’s first preseason game. However, his hamstring strain was less significant than Pickett’s, as Gabriel was able to recover in time to start against the Eagles in the Browns’ second preseason game on Saturday. The injuries to Pickett and Gabriel led to Cleveland signing Tyler Huntley, adding another camp arm.
All these injuries piling up meant good news for Shedeur Sanders, a rookie fifth-round pick who had high expectations before his draft-day fall. He started and played extensively against the Panthers in preseason Week 1, and was in line for more opportunity. However, he suffered an oblique injury on Wednesday, and he subsequently missed yesterday’s game.
Is Joe Flacco In Line to Start?
All these injuries have left the guy at the top of the depth chart this whole time untouched: Joe Flacco. The 2013 Super Bowl winner with the Ravens led the Browns to a playoff berth in 2023, and now returns to the team after a year in Indianapolis. He’s 40 years old and has sat out preseason games as most older veterans do, but he’s been listed as the unofficial starter throughout all of camp, and little has happened to change that.
That said, both Gabriel and Sanders played fairly well in their preseason appearances. Gabriel went 13-18 for 143 yards and an interception, while Sanders went 14-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders is the only quarterback of the four (so excluding Huntley) who hasn’t taken snaps with the starters on offense, but he’s put together a solid camp.
This might leave Pickett as the odd man out. Flacco will start the season in all likelihood, and he’s the perfect veteran mentor for the two rookies. Gabriel and Sanders are probably safe, as Cleveland is unlikely to cut either promising rookie quarterback out of camp. It’s unfortunate for Pickett, whose hamstring injury prevented him from seriously competing for the starting gig, but he might be on the move again.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Kevin Stefanski Sends Cryptic Message on Browns’ QB Battle appeared first on Heavy Sports.