Cleveland Browns: Andrew Berry Indicates That Four QBs Will Make 53-Man Roster
The Browns are expected to keep four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster, with Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders behind starter Joe Flacco.
"We have a room that we like all the guys in there," Browns General Manager Andrew Berry said on NFL Network, via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. "We don't really see that as a problem. We more see it as an opportunity."
As of Monday morning, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski had not named the No. 2 quarterback behind Flacco.
Pickett is listed as No. 2 on the unofficial depth chart but has missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury. However, Stefanski expects Pickett to be healthy and available Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The battle between No. 3 and No. 4 on the depth chart is between rookie quarterbacks Gabriel and Sanders. Gabriel had a better day (12 of 19, 129 yards, one touchdown) than Sanders (3 for 6, 14 yards) in Cleveland's 19-17 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. But Sanders believed he had done enough to make the 53-man roster.
"I think overall as a player, I've put in the work," Sanders said. "I think about myself in a high regard, of course. It's not my decision."
Pittsburgh Steelers: First-Round Pick Is 'Week-to-Week' After Injury
First-round rookie Derrick Harmon, who is expected to start at defensive tackle, is "week-to-week" after a knee injury in the preseason finale, according to Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Harmon will not require surgery for the injury suffered during a 19-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. However, Tomlin did not rule the possibility that Harmon would start the regular season on injured reserve when Tuesday's 53-man roster is announced.
"We're not ready to talk those things," Tomlin said via Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I see no need to. We're very much still in development. I'll start talking about depth chart issues at the appropriate time on game week."
Should Harmon miss time, rookie Yahya Black and veterans Isaiahh Loudermilk and Daniel Ekuale are candidates to be elevated into the starting lineup.
Harmon said he was relieved the injury was not more severe.
"Thought it was serious, but it wasn't that serious," Harmon said. "I need to get rehab going, so that's my main focus. I've got to just attack rehab and do what I've got to do to get back on the field and help this team."
Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Hendrickson and Bengals Re-Start Contract Talks With 'Cautious Optimism'
The Bengals and Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson have gotten more creative trying to reach a contract agreement before Week 1, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Schultz reported that the Bengals have discussed giving Hendrickson more money in 2025 while letting his contract expire after the season.
A disagreement on guaranteed money has reportedly kept the Bengals and Hendrickson from getting an extension finalized. The 30-year-old Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season (17.5) and has made four consecutive Pro Bowls.
He has been a hold-in during training camp and has not practiced since the end of last season. If a new deal is not in place before the Bengals' season-opener against the Cleveland Browns, Hendrickson has not ruled out missing regular-season action.
Schultz reported that the Bengals' willingness to explore other options was a positive step.
"More work to do, but there's cautious optimism," a source told Schultz.
