The Cleveland Browns announced that Shedeur Sanders will start Friday night’s preseason opener against the Panthers, according to ClevelandBrowns.com insider Mary Kay Cabot.
Sanders gets his shot due to injuries. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.
The fifth-round draft pick entered camp needing to prove himself after sliding in the draft. He’s shown well in OTAs and training camp despite working mostly with third and fourth-team units.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has kept the quarterback competition open. Joe Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders are all competing for roster spots.
Sanders has made the most of his limited reps. He’s flashed the arm talent and athleticism that made him a star at Colorado.
Friday’s game will test more than Sanders’ physical tools. He’ll need to process plays quickly, manage the huddle, and handle NFL-level pressure.
Sanders is expected to get extended playing time. With other quarterbacks injured, a strong performance could move him up the depth chart quickly.
Coaches have noticed his poise and work ethic in practice. Now he gets to show those qualities under game conditions.
This represents Sanders’ first real opportunity to change the narrative around his draft position.
The game kicks off Friday night in Carolina. For Sanders, it’s his chance to prove he belongs in the NFL conversation.
