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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco has moved from presumed favorite to clear frontrunner for the Week 1 starting job. His command of the offense has steadily improved with more reps, while Kenny Pickett has fallen behind due to a hamstring injury that caused him to miss multiple practices. Rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel were not expected to contend for starting roles, and early returns confirm that neither is close to ready. Gabriel appears to be ahead of Sanders on the depth chart and has seen more reps, but his play has been erratic and frequently off-target. Sanders has flashed some accuracy but recently missed time with a sore arm. While ownership has suggested a desire to evaluate both rookies at some point, there is no indication either is in the mix to start anytime soon. If the Browns fall out of playoff contention, internal pressure may mount to give the young quarterbacks live-game experience.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned following his early-July arrest on domestic violence and battery charges. Owner Jimmy Haslam has expressed cautious optimism that Judkins may eventually sign but emphasized due process and acknowledged the organization’s troubling pattern of ties to off-field incidents. With Judkins out of the picture for now, Jerome Ford entered camp as the projected starter but missed the opening week due to a minor injury. That opened the door for rookie Dylan Sampson to take first-team reps. Sampson has shown explosiveness and reliable hands but must prove he can run with authority in a power-based rushing attack. Running backs coach Duce Staley said, “I think Dylan got reminded that he needs to get his damn pads down” after a big hit in practice. While the pecking order is unsettled, Sampson’s speed and upside make him a compelling option in an otherwise undefined backfield. Pierre Strong Jr. appears locked into the No. 3 job and core special teams duties.
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