Rookie QBs Struggle, Veteran Flacco Poised to Start for Browns

As the 2025 NFL preseason reaches its second week, several teams are still sorting out their quarterback situations. In Cleveland, the Browns' rookie quarterbacks are facing challenges. Fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders had a strong performance one week ago but is now sidelined with an oblique injury and is not expected to play this Saturday. Meanwhile, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel has been taking significant snaps with the first team, but sources indicate there are concerns about his ability to lead the team on Sundays. The belief is that the starting job will ultimately go to veteran Joe Flacco, who helped lead the Browns to the playoffs in 2023 after starter Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending injury.

The quarterback situation in Indianapolis is also in flux. Offseason pickup Daniel Jones has struggled to move the offense, while first-round pick Anthony Richardson has looked shaky in the red zone, overthrowing wide-open receivers. The injury Richardson suffered to his dislocated pinky during the first preseason game may play a role in the final determination of the Week 1 starter, with some receivers now feeling that Jones may get the nod.

Despite the quarterback woes plaguing several teams, the Tennessee Titans appear to be in good hands with their first overall draft pick, C.J. Ward. The team has been impressed with Ward's performance in camp, and he is well-liked by the coaching staff and his teammates. The Titans had considered trading down from the first pick, but they ultimately decided to keep it and select Ward, who has shown a great demeanor and has thrown the ball well in practice.