Joe Flacco’s Cleveland Comeback: Can the Veteran QB Lead the Browns in 2025 Amidst Injury Crisis?
The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations, but a series of unfortunate events has thrown their quarterback situation into complete disarray. As training camp winds down, the question on everyone’s mind is: can veteran Joe Flacco, now 40 years old, step up and lead the Browns through this crisis?
The Quarterback Carnage
The Browns’ quarterback room has resembled a MASH unit more than a competitive group this preseason. Deshaun Watson, the team’s highly-paid franchise quarterback, is expected to miss the entire season after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon. This devastating blow immediately thrust the other quarterbacks on the roster into the spotlight.
Kenny Pickett, acquired in the offseason to provide a reliable backup, has been hampered by a nagging hamstring injury since late July. Rookie sensation Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round with high hopes, suffered an oblique injury during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles, casting doubt on his immediate availability. Dillon Gabriel, another rookie drafted in the third round, has also been sidelined with a hamstring issue, further thinning the ranks.
Adding to the chaos, the Browns even brought in veteran Tyler Huntley to provide additional depth, marking the sixth quarterback on the roster at one point. As Rolling Out put it, “somewhere between hamstring injuries, arm soreness, and general physical breakdowns, Cleveland’s quarterback room started looking less like a competition and more like a cautionary tale about the fragility of professional athletes.”
Flacco: The Last Man Standing?
Amidst the chaos, one quarterback has remained remarkably healthy: Joe Flacco. This unexpected turn of events has positioned him as the frontrunner to start Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco’s experience and leadership are undeniable assets, but can he still perform at a high level at age 40?
Flacco’s 2024 stint with the Browns offered a glimpse of what he’s still capable of. In five games, he threw for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns, posting a solid 90.2 passer rating. More importantly, he injected life into the Browns’ offense and led them to a 4-1 record, earning himself the Comeback Player of the Year award.
However, relying solely on Flacco comes with inherent risks. He’s not the long-term solution, and his age makes him susceptible to injury. As Rolling Out noted, “relying on a veteran who’s experienced his own injury issues throughout his career as the lone healthy option doesn’t inspire confidence in the organization’s depth planning.”
The Rookies: Sanders and Gabriel
While Flacco may be the immediate answer, the Browns are undoubtedly intrigued by their rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has generated considerable buzz with his arm talent and poise. In his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Gabriel, meanwhile, was a prolific college player at Central Florida, Oklahoma, and Oregon, amassing an FBS-record 188 total touchdowns. Although a hamstring injury has slowed his progress, Browns’ coaches are reportedly impressed with his arm strength and decision-making. In his first preseason game against the Eagles, Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards.
Both rookies possess the potential to be the Browns’ quarterback of the future, but they need time to develop and adjust to the NFL game. The question is whether the Browns can afford to give them that time amidst their current injury crisis.
Stefanski’s Dilemma
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski faces a monumental challenge in navigating this quarterback situation. He must balance the need to win now with the long-term development of his young quarterbacks. Stefanski has been tight-lipped about his plans, but he has emphasized the importance of preparing all quarterbacks as if they were the starter.
According to WKYC, Stefanski stated, “We will name a starter. It’s going to come this week. We still anticipate all of our players, whether you’re a starter or not, to prepare like you’re the starter. Knowing all of our players in that room, that’s exactly what they’ll do.”
Stefanski’s play-calling will also be crucial. He needs to tailor the offense to Flacco’s strengths while also incorporating elements that allow the younger quarterbacks to succeed if they are called upon. This may involve a more conservative approach with Flacco, emphasizing short, quick passes and a strong running game.
The Road Ahead
The Browns’ 2025 season hinges on the health and performance of their quarterbacks. If Flacco can stay healthy and play at a high level, the Browns could still contend for a playoff spot. However, if he falters or gets injured, the team will be forced to rely on unproven rookies, which could derail their Super Bowl aspirations.
The Browns’ quarterback situation is a reminder of the fragility of NFL success. Injuries can strike at any time, and teams must be prepared to adapt. Whether Joe Flacco can defy Father Time and lead the Browns through this crisis remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 season will be a wild ride for Cleveland fans.