Supporters of the Cleveland Browns will have their initial glimpse of Shedeur Sanders in a competitive scenario this Friday, as the 2025 fifth-round draft selection is slated to commence at the quarterback position in the squad’s initial preseason encounter against the Carolina Panthers. This announcement was made by head coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday.
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Sanders’s opportunity to start arises amidst injuries sustained by fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett, who is entering his fourth NFL season. Veteran Joe Flacco was recently designated as QB1 on the team’s preliminary, unofficial depth chart for the 2025 season, with Pickett serving as the backup, followed by Gabriel at No. 3 and Sanders at No. 4.
The Browns’ quarterback predicament has garnered significant attention throughout the offseason, with Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders all vying for the starting role vacated after the team parted ways with Deshaun Watson, who is projected to miss the season due to an Achilles injury.
Despite limited repetitions with the first team during training camp, Sanders maintained a positive attitude. The former Colorado quarterback emphasized that the lack of repetitions did not diminish his commitment to hard work.
“It’s not within my jurisdiction to provide an answer,” Sanders communicated to reporters on Friday, as reported by ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “I perceive it as beyond my control, and consequently, I will not dwell on it or allow it to occupy my thoughts.”
“Numerous individuals aspire to attain the opportunity to compete at this level, and I am presently here, grateful for the chance to do so. Thus, I accept whatever transpires.”
“It doesn’t particularly perturb me. It’s essential to acknowledge that we ascended from an HBCU to a Power 5 [conference team], and now we are here,” he elaborated. “Consequently, at this juncture, as you survey the landscape, there is arguably nothing that presents a substantial challenge.”
Sanders also delivered a notable performance on Day 4 of training camp, executing three touchdown passes during the session, including one to fellow rookie Luke Floriea.
Cleveland is scheduled to participate in three preseason games, commencing with the Panthers and followed by matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams in mid- to late-August. Their regular season will commence against the Cincinnati Bengals at home on Sept. 7.
