The Cleveland Browns’ fanbase will have the chance to witness the performance of their 2025 fifth-round selection, Shedeur Sanders, during live game play, anticipated to take the helm as quarterback in the team’s initial preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers, as reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com on Tuesday.
Sanders is positioned to commence the game due to injuries sustained by fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, along with Kenny Pickett, who is entering his fourth NFL season. Recently, veteran Joe Flacco was identified as the team’s projected starter for the 2025 season on the Browns’ preliminary depth chart, with Pickett designated as the backup, Gabriel as No. 3, and Sanders ranked fourth.
The Browns’ quarterback situation became a prominent topic throughout the offseason, as Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders vied for the starting position left vacant by DeShaun Watson, who is expected to be sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury.
Despite limited practice repetitions with the first-team squad during training camp, Sanders maintained a positive perspective throughout the process. The former Colorado quarterback emphasized that the lack of repetitions did not impact his dedication.
“It’s not within my jurisdiction to comment on that,” Sanders stated to reporters on Friday, as reported by ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “I believe it’s beyond my control, so I’m choosing not to dwell on it or incorporate it into my mindset.”
“Numerous individuals aspire to reach this level, and I’m here, appreciative of the opportunity, so, whatever unfolds, unfolds,” Sanders added.
“It doesn’t significantly unsettle me. You must acknowledge that we transitioned from an HBCU to a Power 5 [conference team], and now we’re here,” he continued. “At this juncture, as you survey the landscape, there’s no challenge that I would identify as insurmountable.”
Sanders also delivered a noteworthy 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 match against the Panthers, followed by encounters with the Philadelphia Eagles and the LA Rams slated for mid-to-late August. Their regular season will commence against the Cincinnati Bengals at home on September 7.
