Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders Set for Browns Preseason Start Amid Injury Crisis

The Cleveland Browns have named rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders the starter for their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, an unexpected opportunity arising due to injuries to quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel and the resting of Joe Flacco. Sanders, a fifth-round pick despite projections as a first-rounder, has spent most of training camp with the fourth team unit and has had limited reps with the starters, raising concerns from analysts like Louis Riddick about whether he has had adequate preparation to perform at the NFL level. Despite these concerns, Sanders has received strong endorsements from former NFL players like Chad Johnson and current Browns star Myles Garrett, who praise his work ethic, leadership, and poise. The Browns' quarterback situation remains unsettled, with Sanders needing to prove himself in the preseason to earn more meaningful reps, while his performance could influence the team's depth chart decisions. Although some doubt Sanders' elite traits, teammates like Diontae Johnson view him as the best available option and believe he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. This preseason game represents a crucial moment for Sanders to showcase his skills and make a case for a larger role in Cleveland's offense.