The preseason finale at Huntington Bank Field will carry extra intrigue as the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams both take the field with roster cutdowns looming. Unlike earlier weeks, this matchup features Cleveland’s frontline players alongside rookies still fighting for spots, making it the most meaningful exhibition of the preseason.
Are Joe Flacco and Other Browns Starters Playing Against the Rams Tonight?
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that the Browns’ starters will play in the finale, treating it as a dress rehearsal for Week 1. Stefanski expects most starters to log 20 to 25 plays, though usage will be individualized depending on each player’s readiness.
That means fans will see quarterback Joe Flacco take the opening snaps with the first-team offense, marking his Browns debut after being named the Week 1 starter. Flacco’s action will be followed by third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, with rookie Shedeur Sanders next in the rotation.
Sanders, who missed last week’s game against Philadelphia with an oblique injury, is cleared to play and looking to build on his strong preseason opener. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers in that debut, showing the arm talent that made him a top draft pick.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett will not play as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. On defense, Myles Garrett and other veterans are expected to make brief appearances while the team balances giving them live reps against protecting their health heading into the regular season.
Which Young Browns Will Get Their Final Audition Tonight?
Beyond the established names, the spotlight turns to Cleveland’s rookies and roster hopefuls fighting for their NFL lives. At wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy remains a key piece of the offense, while younger wideouts aim to solidify depth roles behind him. Tight end reps are also under scrutiny, as the Browns evaluate how to deploy their personnel alongside veteran David Njoku.
Defensively, coaches are paying close attention to the back end of the roster, where competition remains fierce. Special teams value could be decisive for players like safety Ronnie Hickman Jr., who has impressed in coverage units, and linebacker Charlie Thomas III, who is fighting to earn a spot after strong preseason showings.
Shedeur Sanders and Tony Brown arrive for the Browns’ preseason finale pic.twitter.com/dRu0e0QNy8
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 23, 2025
Cleveland’s defense has continued to look sharp this August, forcing turnovers and limiting scoring opportunities in their first two preseason outings. That consistency gives the coaching staff confidence as they prepare to make their toughest roster decisions.
The final preseason matchup is less about the scoreboard and more about execution. “Rookie development never ends, and player development never ends,” Stefanski said earlier this week, emphasizing how every rep matters heading into roster cutdowns.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, August 23, at 1 p.m. ET from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. The game will air on NFL Network and stream via NFL+ and Fubo for out-of-market viewers.
With Week 1 just around the corner, Cleveland is balancing veteran tune-ups with final auditions for rookies. Tonight’s game will offer one last look at how the roster stacks up before decisions are made early next week.
