Tony Grossi was under the spotlight after Shedeur Sanders‘ preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns. However, the NFL reporter is now providing an update on another quarterback on the roster, Dillon Gabriel. This sheds new light on the battle for a starting job that also includes Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett as well.
Grossi reported that while Sanders was in full uniform, he didn’t throw as he is still recovering from an oblique injury. However, Dillon Gabriel was ‘full go’ according to Grossi.
This is massive news for Gabriel, who will play on the second preseason game if fit enough. It seems that he is ready to go. Gabriel needs to impress as Shedeur had a very good performance on the Browns’ first preseason appearance.
The rookies want to put pressure on the vets
With Sanders impressing and Gabriel having the opportunity to do so, the rookies want to put doubts into head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders played most of the game against Carolina, and he completed 14-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
This is also pressure on Dillon Gabriel. After all, he was picked before Sanders in the NFL Draft and was put before Sanders too on the team’s depth chart. If he can’t produce as well as Sanders, he might fall in the pecking order. Remember Kenny Pickett is still dealing with a hamstring injury that might recover soon.
It’s still Joe Flacco’s job to lose
As of right now, Joe Flacco is still on pole position to be the starter come Week 1. Flacco is a well-established veteran in the NFL that knows the ins-and-outs of the league. He also knows how to read defenses and still has lots of strength in his throwing arm.
What the other guys have over him is athleticism, but if Flacco is able to move the chains, the likely outcome is Stefanski will ride with him all the way. However, having all these names on the roster might put the playing quarterback on a short leash, as there will always be a ‘next man up’.