Shedeur Sanders earned his first reps against Cleveland’s starting defense Wednesday, making progress in the Browns’ quarterback competition.
The rookie got his shot against the first-team defense after Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury opened up opportunities. Sanders worked with the second-team offense while facing defensive starters including Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II.
He impressed coaches with his grasp of Kevin Stefanski’s play-action system.
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, Dan Labbe, Scott Patsko, and Ashley Bastock reported that Sanders has earned consideration to move up the depth chart.
“A significant shift in the Cleveland Browns quarterback competition emerged Wednesday when rookie Shedeur Sanders earned his first opportunity against the team’s starting defense — and made the most of it,” they wrote.
“While still working with the second-team offense, Sanders faced the daunting task of going against the Browns’ defensive starters, including Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II. It marked a critical step in his development and potential rise up the depth chart.”
Sanders adapted quickly to Stefanski’s system, which differs from what he ran at Colorado under Pat Shurmur. The former Colorado record-breaker showed he could handle the Browns’ play-action concepts while throwing on the move.
Dillon Gabriel was expected to benefit most from Pickett’s injury. But Sanders has changed that narrative.
The Browns now have four quarterters competing for the starting job in Berea.
Sanders fell to the fifth round of the 2025 draft. That experience could prove valuable as he develops into a potential NFL starter if he continues his progress.
