Football quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Huntley set to participate in the team's preseason debut
Rookie Shedeur Sanders Leads Cleveland Browns to Preseason Victory
In a surprising move, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named the starter for the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. [4] Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision, and Sanders did not disappoint, leading the Browns to a 30-10 victory. [3]
Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick from Colorado, showcased strong composure and downfield vision in his debut. Despite a couple of near interceptions, his performance was seen as validating Stefanski's decision to give the rookie starter opportunities early in the preseason. [1]
Veteran quarterbacks like Joe Flacco did not play in this game, and other quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel were projected to start later preseason games if Sanders or Flacco were unavailable. [2]
The Browns have five quarterbacks in camp, but only Sanders and newly signed Tyler Huntley are expected to play against the Panthers. Huntley started five games last season with the Miami Dolphins, throwing for 829 yards and three touchdowns, but also had three interceptions. [5] He had a 2-3 record last season. [6]
However, Huntley and two other quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel, are nursing hamstring injuries and are not expected to play in the preseason opener. [7]
Sanders played for his father, Deion Sanders, in college. The Browns selected Sanders and Gabriel, 24, in the third round of the draft from Oregon, in the 2025 NFL Draft. [8]
In summary, the Cleveland Browns' coaching staff is giving rookie Shedeur Sanders a chance to shine in the preseason, and he delivered with a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers. The Browns' other quarterbacks, including veteran Joe Flacco, will have to wait for their opportunities.
In the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, proved his worth by leading the team to a 30-10 victory. Coach Kevin Stefanski's decision to start Sanders early in the preseason seemed validated as he showcased strong composure and downfield vision. Meanwhile, veteran quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and other projected starters, such as Dillon Gabriel, either didn't play or were nursing injuries. Fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who started five games last season with the Miami Dolphins, was also not available for the game due to a hamstring injury. In contrast, Sanders played for his father, Deion Sanders, in college football, and his performance has certainly set a high standard for other players in American football, especially in the NFL.
