The Cleveland Browns concluded their preseason schedule on Saturday, August 23, with a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field, offering a final tune-up before the regular season. The game marked the much-anticipated preseason debut for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who was officially named the team’s starter for the 2025 season earlier in the week.
Flacco, whose remarkable 2023 comeback story earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors, wasted no time demonstrating his value. In the first quarter, he orchestrated an impressive scoring drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to open the scoring. The play highlighted the veteran’s poise and ability to connect with the team’s young talent. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski had announced on August 18 that Flacco had won the starting job over a field that included Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, stating the decision was made early to allow the first-team offense a proper dress rehearsal in this final exhibition game.
While Flacco’s performance was a clear positive, the game was not without significant concern. Starting center Ethan Pocic sustained a knee injury during the first quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. The injury casts a shadow over the offensive line’s stability just weeks before the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7. Pocic’s status will be closely monitored, as he is a critical component of the team’s offensive front.
As is typical for a final preseason game, the Browns opted to rest a significant number of their key starters to avoid unnecessary risk. The team announced before kickoff that stars such as defensive end Myles Garrett, quarterback Deshaun Watson, cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, and guard Joel Bitonio would not be playing. This strategy provided an extended opportunity for depth players and those on the roster bubble to make their final case before league-wide cuts.
Several of these players seized the moment. The Browns’ defense, even without its top players, made impactful plays, including a pick-six by defensive end K.J. Henry. On offense, running backs Ahmani Marshall and Dylan Sampson also contributed with strong runs, with Marshall finding the end zone for a touchdown. The performances showcased the depth the front office has worked to build. In addition to Flacco, rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were also expected to see action against the Rams, giving the coaching staff a final look at their development.
The game served as the final piece of the evaluation puzzle as the team prepares to trim its roster to the 53-man limit. The Browns have already been active in shaping their final squad, having recently traded defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to the New York Jets on August 20. While the team showed promising signs in its preseason finale, the focus will now shift entirely to the health of Ethan Pocic and preparing for the challenges of the regular season. The Browns will kick off their 2025 campaign at home against their AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals.
