As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the upcoming NFL season, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco remains determined to prove his value amidst a crowded quarterback competition. Entering his 18th NFL season, Flacco insists he still has what it takes to lead the Browns despite injuries and limited practice time.

Flacco, now 40 years old, told The Athletic’s Michael Silver that while his experience means he may not require as many practice reps as younger players, he still desires them to stay sharp and show his capabilities on the field.

I think there’s probably some truth to the fact that maybe I don’t need as many reps,

he said.

But I do need reps. And not only do I need reps, I want reps. I like reps. I want to get better. And also, I want to be able to show guys, hey, I can still do it.

—Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns quarterback

Injuries Impact Browns Quarterback Competition

The Browns’ quarterback room is currently dealing with several setbacks as Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett recover from hamstring injuries, while newcomer Shedeur Sanders is managing arm soreness. To address these challenges, Cleveland has signed Tyler Huntley to strengthen their depth chart.

Despite not participating extensively in practice, Flacco is favored to start in Week 1, benefiting from his experience and the limited availability of other quarterbacks. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized the importance of giving Flacco enough reps to maintain his skill level and contribute to the team’s readiness.

Joe’s seen it all and he relies on his experience, but I think it’d be unfair to Joe to give him nothing,

Stefanski explained.

Because number one, he’s got to stay sharp. Technically, he needs to work on all those fundamentals and types of things. But also, he wants to show what he can do. And I think his teammates want to see it as well.

—Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns head coach

Future Outlook for Browns’ Quarterback Situation

The Browns are looking beyond the 2025 season as they navigate a difficult offseason with multiple injuries and an uncertain quarterback lineup. While the team appears underpowered on paper, Flacco may provide a compelling storyline if he can replicate his 2023 comeback success that earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.

As the season progresses in Northeast Ohio, fans and analysts will closely watch whether Flacco’s knowledge and leadership can propel the Browns through a challenging campaign filled with competition and adversity.