The next chapter in Shedeur Sanders’ football journey is set to begin under the bright lights of the NFL preseason. According to Cleveland.com, the rookie quarterback will start for the Cleveland Browns this Friday in their opening preseason clash against the Carolina Panthers.
A fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, Sanders was originally positioned behind veteran arms Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. But a series of injuries has reshuffled the depth chart. With both Gabriel and Pickett nursing hamstring issues, the 22-year-old is now slated to take the first snap in Charlotte.
To deepen the quarterback room, Cleveland also added former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley this week. Meanwhile, Flacco, now 40, has taken the lion’s share of first-team reps during camp but is not expected to see much action in the preseason opener as the team manages his workload ahead of the regular season.
Shedeur enters the NFL with more than just a familiar last name. He became a breakout star playing for his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, first at Jackson State and later at Colorado. Known for his poise in the pocket and sharp decision-making, Shedeur has impressed scouts and coaches alike, even with limited time working alongside the first-team offense.
The Browns continue to evaluate their quarterback options as they await the return of Deshaun Watson, who remains sidelined while recovering from shoulder surgery. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is using the preseason as a proving ground not only to identify a reliable backup but potentially uncover a longer-term answer under center.
Whether Shedeur Sanders is that answer remains to be seen, but Friday night will be his first real opportunity to show Cleveland and the league what he brings to the table.