The Cleveland Browns announced Monday that Joe Flacco will open the season as their starting quarterback. Entering his 18th NFL season, Flacco will also start in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, which head coach Kevin Stefanski described as a dress rehearsal for Week 1. The Browns kick off their season against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
Injuries Shape Browns’ Quarterback Battle As Flacco Emerges Steady Leader Once Again
The Browns’ training camp began with a four-way competition between Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, while Deshaun Watson remained sidelined due to Achilles rehab. However, injuries quickly derailed the contest.
Pickett suffered a hamstring injury in July, Gabriel dealt with his own hamstring issue, and Sanders missed valuable time with an oblique injury. This left Flacco with most of the first-team reps and solidified his role as QB1.
Joe Flacco (NFL)Flacco is returning for a second stint with the Browns after an impressive run in 2023. Signed midseason following Watson’s shoulder injury, Flacco went 4-1 as a starter, throwing for over 300 yards in four straight games and leading Cleveland to the playoffs.
His strong comeback earned him the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award. Despite a tough loss to Houston in the wild-card round, Flacco’s performance was one of the most successful stretches by a Browns quarterback since the team’s 1999 return.
Flacco’s Decorated Career And Browns Return Offer Stability Amid Uncertainty And Injuries
After spending the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he posted a 2-4 record, Flacco rejoined Cleveland on a one-year, $4 million deal. Drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, Flacco has accumulated 45,697 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 162 interceptions. His career highlight remains winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens, where he was named MVP.
Flacco’s return to Baltimore in Week 2 will be a significant storyline, marking his first start there since his 2018 trade. Notably, Flacco is one of just three quarterbacks to have a winning record with the Browns since their rebirth, joining Brian Hoyer and Case Keenum. With Watson’s health still uncertain and the younger quarterbacks sidelined or unproven, Flacco’s experience and steady play offer the Browns stability as they begin the 2025 season.
