Cleveland Browns Quarterback Battle & Preseason Depth Chart: An In-Depth 2024 Update

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Cleveland Browns are deeply immersed in a dynamic quarterback competition and extensive preseason preparations. With key players facing injury setbacks, the team is strategically utilizing joint practices and preseason games to thoroughly evaluate their options and finalize the roster. This article provides a comprehensive update on the Browns' ongoing quarterback battle, their unofficial depth chart, and the critical factors influencing their strategic decisions for the upcoming season.

The Intensive Quarterback Competition: Flacco Takes the Lead, Yet Uncertainty Lingers

Currently, five quarterbacks are vying for spots on the Browns’ roster: seasoned veteran Joe Flacco, the recovering Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, promising rookie Shedeur Sanders, and recent acquisition Tyler Huntley. While Joe Flacco has clearly emerged as the frontrunner for the Week 1 starting position—consistently taking most first-team reps and developing strong chemistry with new wide receiver Jerry Jeudy—the overall situation remains fluid.

Kenny Pickett's hamstring injury continues to severely limit his ability to challenge Flacco for the starting role. Similarly, Dillon Gabriel is also contending with hamstring tightness, further complicating the evaluation process for the coaching staff. To enhance their depth amidst these injury concerns, the Browns recently brought in Tyler Huntley.

Despite Shedeur Sanders' impressive preseason debut, which included two touchdown passes, he has not yet received extensive work with the first-team offense. Coach Kevin Stefanski has deliberately avoided setting a timeline for a final decision, emphasizing a commitment to comprehensive player development and thorough evaluation. The upcoming joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles will be crucial in assessing these quarterbacks under more competitive, game-like conditions.

Cleveland Browns’ Unofficial Preseason Depth Chart: A Glimpse into the Roster Hierarchy

The Cleveland Browns recently released their unofficial depth chart for the upcoming preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. While this offers valuable insight into the team's current thinking and player standings, it's important to remember that this hierarchy is subject to change as evaluations continue.

Key Position Breakdown:

• Quarterbacks: Joe Flacco (Starter), Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson (Injured)
• Offense:
• WR: Jerry Jeudy, Diontae Johnson
• OL: Jack Conklin, Joel Bitonio
• TE: David Njoku
• RB: Jerome Ford
• Defense:
• DE: Myles Garrett
• DT: Maliek Collins, Sam Kamara
• CB: Greg Newsome II, Denzel Ward
• S: Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman
• Special Teams:
• Punter: Corey Bojorquez
• Kicker: Dustin Hopkins
• Returner: DeAndre Carter (Kick & Punt)

This preliminary depth chart highlights ongoing rookie competitions across various positions and clearly notes injury designations for players currently sidelined.

The Critical Impact of Injuries & Backup Quarterback Focus

Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury has significantly diminished his prospects of unseating Joe Flacco as the starting quarterback. This shift in dynamic now places a heightened focus on determining the primary backup role and providing crucial playing opportunities, or "reps," to both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in the remaining preseason games.

Coach Stefanski’s measured and cautious approach underscores the team’s firm prioritization of long-term quarterback development over hasty decisions. The Browns are meticulously evaluating all available quarterback options, recognizing the paramount need for a reliable backup in the event that Flacco encounters any issues during the demanding NFL season.

What's Next: Key Eagles Practices & Remaining Preseason Matchups

The upcoming joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles represent a pivotal opportunity for the Browns to assess their quarterbacks in a highly competitive, intense environment. These critical sessions will likely be utilized to:

• Evaluate Joe Flacco’s overall command of the offense and his ability to lead the unit.
• Closely monitor Kenny Pickett’s recovery progress and his readiness to return to full participation.
• Provide Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel with invaluable experience against top-tier NFL talent.

The overarching goal is to establish a clear quarterback hierarchy and foster essential team cohesion well before the regular season kicks off. While the unofficial depth chart offers an initial organizational framework, the coming weeks will prove decisive in shaping the Cleveland Browns’ final roster and ultimately influencing their 2024 campaign trajectory.