Browns Quarterback Dilemma: Injuries Complicate Roster Decisions

With the 2025 NFL season just around the corner, the Cleveland Browns are facing a critical quarterback conundrum. According to reports, the team is expected to name their starting QB this week, and all signs point to veteran Joe Flacco taking the reins.

However, that's just the tip of the iceberg for the Browns. The team must also determine the composition of their quarterback room, as they grapple with the status of their rookie signal-callers, Shedeur Sanders and Kenny Pickett.

Sanders, who started the Browns' most recent preseason game, is currently dealing with an oblique injury and is considered day-to-day. Meanwhile, Pickett has been hampered by a lingering hamstring issue. Coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding both players, stating that he's "hopeful" their practice participation will increase as the week progresses.

Adding to the complexity, the Browns must decide whether to keep three or four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. This decision could become a necessity, given the various injury concerns plaguing the position.

With the league-wide roster cut-down deadline looming in just nine days, the Browns will have to act quickly to solidify their quarterback depth chart. The team may even explore trade options for Pickett or Flacco, or could potentially receive interest in Sanders from teams that were considering drafting him in the spring.

Regardless of the specific moves the Browns make, one thing is clear: naming a starting quarterback for Week 1 may be the easiest part of their quarterback puzzle. The real challenge lies in navigating the various roster decisions and injury concerns that have arisen during the preseason.