The Browns are heading into a pivotal week with joint practices against the Eagles and a preseason matchup on Saturday, but Kevin Stefanski still isn’t ready to name a starting quarterback as the competition heats up.
Kevin Stefanski delays Browns starting quarterback decision ahead of Eagles preseason game originally appeared on The Sporting News
It’s another busy week for the Cleveland Browns as they prepare for two days of joint practices in Philadelphia with the Eagles and Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a Week 2 preseason game on Saturday at 1 PM EST.
As with every press conference that Kevin Stefanski has had, one of the first questions came on quarterback. Stefanski gave no hints on who would get the first-team practice snaps, start the preseason game, or start week one of the regular season.
We did learn that Dillion Gabriel will be more active in practice on Monday, participating in 11-on-11’s, and that Kenny Pickett would still be limited to 7-on-7’s. Stefanski hinted that he, “wasn’t there on the game itself” just yet, but by Wednesday or Thursday, he would have a better idea of who would start against the Eagles on Saturday.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel will participate in 11-on-11s today, per Kevin Stefanski. Kenny Pickett remains limited to 7-on-7s.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 11, 2025
The Browns did give up Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a pick to land Pickett. While we haven’t gotten to see a ton of him in camp, there is a thought that it’s still his job to lose at this point. If that’s the case, if he’s healthy, Stefanski should throw him out there for a series or two to see what he has.
On potentially naming a starter at QB after this week, Kevin Stefanski said “I'm not there yet,” and added that he wanted to get through the week first.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 11, 2025
I would also expect another large dose of Shedeur Sanders and Gabriel (if healthy). Sanders dazzled fans last Friday, and everyone will be eager to see him again, as well as the first glimpse of the third-round pick.
With all the experience that Flacco has, I don’t look for him to get snaps on Saturday, as most of his work will get accomplished in joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday in a more controlled environment.
If all four quarterbacks are healthy, Stefanski will be forced to update the depth chart to allow everyone to get enough practice reps and prepare for the regular season. While it’s great to have an open competition, the young guys need to get reps if they are going to be counted on for production this year.
Category: Football
