The Cleveland Browns said Monday they will start 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco in their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. The decision makes Flacco the oldest Week 1 starter in the NFL this year and marks his first opening-week assignment since 2022, when he filled in for the New York Jets. Flacco joined the Browns mid-season in 2023 and started five games, helping the team reach the playoffs while regular starter Deshaun Watson recovered from shoulder surgery. He signed a one-year extension in March and will now lead the offense when Cleveland hosts its division rival on Sept. 7.