Browns Rookie Shedeur Sanders Expected To Start Preseason Opener Over Vet Joe Flacco

The Cleveland Browns have chosen rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to start in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, while veteran Joe Flacco will watch from the sidelines to preserve his health early in the preseason. Flacco, a 40-year-old with a 17-year NFL career, expressed excitement for Sanders' debut, recalling his own memorable first NFL game and acknowledging how special the moment is for the young player. Despite not playing in the preseason opener, Flacco remains the projected starting quarterback for the Browns' regular season due to his experience and familiarity with the offense. He has admitted wanting more reps in practice to prove he still has what it takes and to leave on a high note. Meanwhile, injuries to other quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel have opened the door for Sanders to receive meaningful game time. Flacco has praised Sanders' mindset and progress since joining the team, viewing him as a talented teammate with a bright future.