Browns Announce Plan For Shedeur Sanders vs. Panthers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 5:45 PM ET

Shedeur Sanders will receive an early opportunity to prove himself to the Cleveland Browns.

Sanders shockingly fell all the way to a fifth round of this year's draft, leading the Browns to pounce despite already picking Dillon Gabriel. The rookies join former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco in a crowded quarterback room fighting for the starting job and roster spots.

With his role still unclear, Sanders has a chance to make a strong first impression. He's expected to start Friday's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.

Supporters shouldn't necessarily take this as great news for Sanders, as starters often sit out the first preseason game. The Browns listed him as the fourth quarterback on their inaugural depth chart.

Pickett and Gabriel are also dealing with hamstring injuries, leading the Browns to sign Tyler Huntley on Monday. However, it's encouraging that Sanders is available to play after missing Saturday drills due to arm soreness.

Sanders returned to practice on Monday and expects to be fine moving forward. The 23-year-old didn't know Cleveland's preseason plans, but he hoped to receive some playing time.

"I think every rep I get in general is valuable," Sanders said Monday, via Cleveland.com's Irie Harris. "You know, we definitely taking things up a notch, I would say, with everything. So, every rep, anytime I step on the field, I take it like it could be my last. Because you don't know, it's players that we was just practicing with last week, that's not here no more. So, like I said, it's more about a bond. It's more about going all out. It's more about, you know, how you'll be remembered."

Before his draft plunge, Sanders completed 74 of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns at Colorado. The 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year could quickly show everyone why he was once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick if he capitalizes on the preseason opportunity.

Friday's game between the Browns and Panthers starts at 7 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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