The Cleveland Browns’ final preseason game will draw attention to the quarterback rotation. With Joe Flacco locked in as the starter, the remaining spots on the depth chart remain undecided, as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders battle Kenny Pickett for the backup role.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski provided an important update on how the available quarterbacks will be used this Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, noting that one quarterback will be sidelined as he recovers from injury.
Shedeur Sanders Is Expected To Play Saturday Against the Rams
One of the most anticipated decisions of the offseason was Cleveland’s starting quarterback. Many fans expected Sanders to be the choice, but the franchise went with Flacco, the veteran entering his 18th season in 2025, who offers the most stability among the contenders.
This leaves the future of the other quarterbacks uncertain, as it is unlikely the team will carry four into the regular season. That makes the final preseason game one of the most important of the week, with three of the four quarterbacks from the competition set to take the field.
QB rotation for the Browns in Preseason Week 3, according to HC Stefanski:
Joe Flacco
Dillon Gabriel
Shedeur Sanders https://t.co/osxU61EVox— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 21, 2025
Stefanski confirmed that Flacco will also play against the Rams, starting the game, with Gabriel coming in second and Sanders third. At least for now, that suggests Sanders remains behind Gabriel on the depth chart. However, seeing both quarterbacks in action under the same circumstances could reveal more about the criteria the Browns are using to evaluate them.
One significant absence is Pickett, once again ruled out while continuing to recover from a hamstring injury. Having missed the entire preseason, his chances of making the final roster, once seen as a guarantee, are now in jeopardy.
Asked about Kenny Pickett not playing Saturday, Stefanski said it is for health reasons with his hamstring. https://t.co/MY1ZnByqh1
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 21, 2025
If the injury lingers, he could open the year on injured reserve. That would create space for Gabriel and Sanders to make the roster and earn more opportunities. Pickett was the first quarterback Cleveland brought in this offseason, acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, and was initially seen as the favorite to win the starting job.
DILLON GABRIEL THROWS A PICK-SIX 😮
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Yh0rhhwTiK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 16, 2025
Gabriel and Sanders’ debuts were quite different. Sanders posted a lower completion percentage but threw two touchdowns without an interception, while Gabriel led a touchdown drive but finished without a passing score and threw a pick-six.
Even so, Gabriel was steady with the ball on most of his snaps and left a good impression on the coaching staff. Seeing both quarterbacks take the field in the same game may be the key test to determine who has the edge on the depth chart.
That decision will be crucial heading into Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, as Cleveland looks to finalize its quarterback room for the start of the regular season.
