Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Situation Remains Fluid After Shedeur Sanders' Strong Debut
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation remains fluid after rookie Shedeur Sanders started and threw two touchdown passes in Cleveland's preseason opener.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that he was not ready to name a starter for the Browns' next preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"By Wednesday, Thursday, I'll have a better feel for the game and how we're going to handle that," Stefanski said via the Browns' website.
The Browns have a crowded quarterback room in training camp featuring Sanders, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Tyler Huntley, who signed last week. Pickett and Gabriel have been dealing with hamstring injuries, but Stefanski said both are getting healthier and Gabriel returned to the practice field Monday morning.
"Dillon can do some 11 on 11," Stefanski said. "We're still mindful of his tightness in the hamstring. Kenny, not just yet, but both guys [are] progressing well."
The Browns have important decisions to make with their Sept. 7 regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals less than a month away. Will the 40-year-old Flacco open the season as the starter? Will Pickett win the job if he's healthy? Or will Sanders or Gabriel be ready to take the helm as rookies?
Stefanski is still weighing his options. Cleveland and the Eagles will have joint practices in Philadelphia on Wednesday and Thursday, which will give Stefanski more insight into where the quarterback battle stands. Sanders helped himself by playing with confidence in his NFL debut. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and drew rave reviews. He's the quarterback in Cleveland creating the most buzz, and he's putting his controversial fall to the fifth round in the draft behind him while focusing on doing his job.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers' Mindset is What Mike Tomlin Expected
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers had heart-to-heart discussions during the spring before the 41-year-old quarterback signed with Pittsburgh.
There was debate about how much passion for football Rodgers still had. But according to Tomlin, what Rodgers said during the spring is exactly what he's showing at training camp.
"I just wanted to know why," Tomlin said to Ryan Clark on "The Pivot" podcast. "Why does the fire still burn? What's his agenda? Those are some of the conversations that we had in the spring. I just got real comfortable with his why.
"All he wants to do is win. All he wants to do is have fun within the game. Everything we talked about through our conversations in the spring, I'm watching him live out right now in this training camp setting. I believed him when he said it. But it's fun to watch it play out. I think that's why I'm excited. I think that's why I'm comfortable."
Tomlin feels good enough about what he's seeing to talk a little trash at Pittsburgh's opponents this season.
"We in Steeler nation are uncomfortable with our present state," Tomlin said. "These particular recent seasons haven't ended in the manner in which we like, or accept, or embrace. But 2025's a new year. I've got some new toys. So, I'll see you at stadiums."
Cincinnati Bengals: Geno Stone to Miss Time With Soft Tissue Injury
Bengals safety Geno Stone suffered a soft tissue injury during their preseason opener and will miss some time, according to Head Coach Zac Taylor. Stone, the former Raven who signed with Cincinnati in 2024, is not expected to be ready for the Bengals' upcoming preseason game against the Washington Commanders.
"Right now, no, I wouldn't expect that," Taylor said, via Ben Baby of ESPN.com.
Stone started every game in 2024 for the Bengals, but they had a disappointing season on defense. Stone's initial two-year contract, worth a reported $14 million, was renegotiated during the offseason.
Under new Defensive Coordinator Al Golden, safeties Tycen Anderson and Daijahn Anthony will see more reps until Stone returns.
"They've got to prove that they can walk in there and help us on defense as well," Taylor said. "Those are guys that these next six practices will be really good for."
