Flacco starts for Cleveland, with Shedeur Sanders as the third QB and Dillon Gabriel as the likely QB2. Bailey Zappe joined the practice squad, keeping a crowded room. Week 1 against Cincinnati looms, and Sanders will be dressed but unlikely to see action unless Flacco falters; Gabriel could get a chance if that happens, altering Sanders’ backup trajectory in 2025.

The Browns finalized their QB depth chart: Joe Flacco will start, Dillon Gabriel is the top backup, and Shedeur Sanders sits as the third string. Stefanski stresses a thorough evaluation from both game reps and practices as the competition shaped this order, with Gabriel showing growth and readiness to push if needed.

Gabriel shined in the preseason finale, posting 12-of-19 for 129 yards and leading an 11-play, 86-yard TD drive, finishing two games with 25-of-37 for 272 yards, a TD and an INT. Sanders began with a strong 138-yard, two-TD opener but dealt with injuries and a rough Rams showing, highlighting Cleveland’s current plan and long-term development path for its quarterback room.

Rosters must be trimmed to 53 by Tuesday 4 p.m. ET, and over 1,000 players will be waived, released, or shelved with injury designations as teams pivot before the 2025 season. Cam Akers was cut by the Saints, Mike Hilton was released by the Dolphins, and Tyler Huntley (Snoop Huntley) was let go by the Browns, underscoring how quickly depth charts shift heading into Week 1.

The moves will reshape fantasy outlooks: Kamara shoulders more early-down work in New Orleans with Kendre Miller rising; Miami’s nickel spot becomes fluid without Hilton, and Cleveland’s QB room remains deep but unsettled as they lean toward carrying four arms to start the season. Stay tuned to waiver lines and practice-squad targets as rosters settle.