Joe Flacco’s Week 1 QB Start: Implications for Shedeur Sanders and Future of Browns’ Quarterback” | Times of India NFL News

The Cleveland Browns have officially given the Week 1 starting quarterback position to 40-year-old Joe Flacco. The decision has raised questions about the future of the team’s quarterbacks due to the age difference between Flacco and rookie Shedeur Sanders.

Flacco, who had an impressive 4-1 record with the Browns last season, securing them a place in the playoffs, is only the 11th quarterback in NFL history to start a Week 1 game at age 40 or older. He’s expected to provide a stable and consistent presence on the field, having avoided any injury-related absences during training camp.

Flacco’s appointment, however, has resulted in some uncertainty regarding who his backup will be. Kenny Pickett is recovering from a hamstring strain, but has resumed 11-on-11 games, while Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round pick, continues to vie for playing time. Despite this, Sanders, who has been professional throughout the pre-season, remains limited due to an oblique injury.

The Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, will needed to decide whether to keep four quarterbacks – a situation which has only arisen five times since 2000, as per Sportradar. Flacco and the first-team offense will see preseason action against the Los Angeles Rams in a game designed to mimic regular-season planning. Despite Flacco holding the primary spot, the young backups still have the potential to change the narrative of Cleveland’s quarterback position in 2025 and beyond.