Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Dillon Gabriel

Sunday, August 10, 5:33 AM

The San Francisco 49ers opened the preseason with the newly acquired Mac Jones under center. Jones made a good first impression on his new fanbase, captaining a 71-yard drive that culminated in a score. On the drive, Jones dropped a deep pass over the shoulder of Jordan Watkins, who stretched the play into a 50-yard gain. A few plays later, Jones kept the drive alive with his legs on a designed run on 4th & 1 at Denver's seven-yard line, setting the table for running back Patrick Taylor's touchdown. Things turned south during the second drive, however. Jones took sacks on consecutive plays and nearly suffered a third before throwing the ball away. The former first-rounder went on to kill the 49ers' third drive with an interception on his final play of the day. He finished 4-for-7 for 74 yards and the pick and a two-yard rush. His next chance to show what he can do in Brock Purdy's stead comes next week against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Thursday, August 14, 11:34 AM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) is expected to start the team's second preseason game Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie third-round pick didn't play in the first exhibition game due to his hamstring issue. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Gabriel will only miss the start if there's a setback or soreness after practices. Gabriel's absence last week opened the door for fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders (oblique) to start the first preseason game. Sanders was in line for an encore start before an oblique injury took him out of the running. Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is also nursing an injury. Cleveland is currently rostering six quarterbacks and may carry four into the regular season. Neither rookie is scheduled for immediate playing time with 40-year-old Joe Flacco widely expected to be the Week 1 starter.