Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski made an interesting choice on Monday.
Following an impressive performance by Shedeur Sanders against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, Stefanski continued to keep his plans vague for the fifth-round pick before the Browns’ second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.
Before Monday’s practice, Stefanski admitted that Kenny Pickett was still limited due to his hamstring issue and would have to be cautious with Dillon Gabriel because of his own hamstring tightness.
The Cleveland Browns are playing games
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the sideline during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the sideline during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Still, Stefanski refused to name Sanders as the starter against the Eagles.
“I’m not there on the game itself,” Stefanski said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. “By Wednesday, Thursday, I’ll have a better feel for the game and how we’re going to handle that and I’ll update you guys, but not there yet.”
Kevin Stefanski on if Shedeur Sanders will start the second preseason game vs. the Eagles: “I'm not there on the game itself. By Wednesday, Thursday, I'll have a better feel for the game and how we're going to handle that and I'll update you guys, but not there yet.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 11, 2025
Shedeur Sanders deserves to start against the Eagles
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) takes the field in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) takes the field in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Sanders, who went 14 of 23 passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 yards on four rushes against the Panthers, is the only logical player to name to start against Philadelphia on Saturday. The Browns are protecting Joe Flacco, the expected starting quarterback for Week 1.
Pickett and Gabriel aren’t healthy, and Sanders has proven he’s worthy of taking more reps early in preseason games. The fifth-round pick is now expected to become a starter at some point in the regular season.
The Browns are trying to play hardball with Sanders, making him earn it in practice. But the quarterback race changed on Friday night
Steanski needs to acknowledge it.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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