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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 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Head coach Kevin Stefanski explained why he named Joe Flacco the starter: "He is the same guy every single day. I think that's one of the things you admire about Joe is how he approaches his business. He's done a really nice job in camp. He's also done a really nice job just providing leadership to the quarterback room, to the offense, and to the football team." Flacco's performance in 2023, when he went 4-1 and threw for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in just five starts for Cleveland, likely factored heavily into the decision. He looked sharp in his preseason debut against the Rams, completing 9-of-10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on two drives. The Browns are expected to make the unusual move of keeping four quarterbacks on the roster. "Honestly, it's not much of a decision for us," general manager Andrew Berry said. "We have a room that we like all the guys in there. We don't really see that as a problem. We more see it as an opportunity." The depth chart behind Flacco remains unsettled. Kenny Pickett has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury, while Shedeur Sanders missed a week with an oblique issue. Pickett's starting experience makes him the early favorite to back up Flacco. The more intriguing question is who might get a late-season opportunity if the Browns fall out of contention. Dillon Gabriel appears to have the edge over Sanders. He played ahead of Sanders in the preseason finale and completed 12-of-19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by an 86-yard touchdown drive in the two-minute offense before halftime. Sanders entered next and struggled, managing just one first down and 14 yards passing on five drives. The primary criticism of Sanders' college tape was holding the ball too long, and that flaw was evident as he took five sacks, including one particularly bad 24-yard loss. His Week 3 struggles showed why the staff did not overreact to his strong preseason debut.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The backfield looks like a near 50-50 split between rookie Dylan Sampson and veteran Jerome Ford. The two alternated snaps with Flacco across 10 plays on the first two drives before Pierre Strong Jr entered on the third. Ford is the more experienced and trusted receiver, while Sampson has shown more elusiveness. Neither has separated himself, which leaves the door open for Quinshon Judkins once he arrives. The problem is that Judkins' status remains uncertain. Initial reporting suggested he might sign quickly after charges were dropped, but negotiations have dragged on. Adam Schefter reported the two sides remain far apart on contract terms. The Browns may also be waiting for the NFL's investigation and potential discipline before finalizing any deal. When asked about a debut date, longtime beat writer Tony Grossi said, "guessing it's Game 4." The situation involves multiple variables: the length of the league's investigation, a potential suspension, contract guarantees, and the time Judkins will need to get into football shape. Despite the uncertainty, Judkins was drafted to be the workhorse and centerpiece of the offense, and he could be a difference-maker in the second half of the season. Strong is on the roster bubble and left the Rams game with a concussion. Reports also suggest the Browns are exploring trade options at running back.