****CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- There is something about Cleveland Browns quarterbacks that is strange when it comes to injuries, whether they be major or minor. The Browns have had nine different starting quarterback over the past two seasons, primarily due to injury.
In 2025, the Browns started training camp with an almost unheard of five quarterbacks on the roster, including four competing for the starting position. However, through just two weeks of practicing, three of the four have been limited by setbacks, due to soreness or injuries. Ironically, the 40-year old, is the one so far who has not been affected.
And the Browns have not even got to the regular season, as of yet.
Shedeur Sanders has been running as the fourth quarterback in the four-way quarterback competition, but the door has been opened, at least for now, for the rookie from Colorado to get a chance.
Shedeur Sanders (Photo: Getty, 247Sports)
The hamstring injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel has made it possible for Sanders to start the first preseason game on Friday night against the Panthers. All along, Sanders was expected to play a lot in the preseason, but he is in for an extended look in the first game as Joe Flacco will be rested. The only other quarterback slated to play is Tyler Huntley, who just joined the Browns on Tuesday of this week.
Heading into training camp it was highly unlikely that Sanders would end up starting the first preseason game.
Sanders was named the starting quarterback for this week's game, days after he spoke to the media last Saturday. During that session, Sanders was asked what he wants to show when he gets to play.
#Browns Shedeur Sandersto Diontae Johnson pic.twitter.com/9kymO3Azoq
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) August 4, 2025
"Have you watched me in college?" Sanders said to the reporter. "Well, a little bit of that going on. I'm still the same guy. Nothing happened to me. I'm the same guy. If anything, I'm a little bit stronger mentally, physically, emotionally, and the way how I handle different situations."