Quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Huntley participating in the initial preseason game for the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their 2025 preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, with a surprising twist in the quarterback position. The duo of Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Huntley will take the field, replacing the initially announced starter, Joe Flacco [1][2][3][5].
Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick by the Browns, will make his first start for the team in this game. The rookie, who was considered a first-round talent, will be looking to make a strong impression [6]. Sanders threw two touchdown passes in the preseason opener against the Panthers but was later injured and did not play in the following game [1][4][5]. Dillon Gabriel, another quarterback on the roster, stepped up in his absence, playing in the game against the Eagles [1][4][5].
While Flacco has been named the Week 1 starter for the regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, the preseason games are providing an opportunity for the younger players to shine [7]. Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel are nursing hamstring injuries and will not play in the preseason opener [8].
Coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that Sanders will start the game, marking an exciting moment for both the player and the Browns [9]. The preseason opener is a significant opportunity for Sanders, Huntley, and other young players on the team to prove their worth and compete for backup roles [10].
The preseason opener will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the Browns bringing five quarterbacks to camp for the preseason [11]. However, only two quarterbacks, Sanders and newly signed Tyler Huntley, are expected to play in the preseason opener [12].
Sources:
[1] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/34529788/cleveland-browns-rookie-shedeur-sanders-injured-preseason-opener [2] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/08/joe-flacco-named-browns-starting-qb-for-season-opener-against-cincinnati-bengals.html [3] https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-flacco-named-browns-starting-qb-for-season-opener [4] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/34530159/dillon-gabriel-tyler-huntley-play-browns-preseason-game-against-eagles [5] https://www.browns.com/news/browns-vs-panthers-game-notes [6] https://www.nfl.com/prospects/shedeur-sanders/scouting-report [7] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/08/browns-quarterback-battle-is-far-from-over-as-preseason-begins.html [8] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/08/browns-dillon-gabriel-out-of-preseason-opener-with-hamstring-injury.html [9] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/08/stefanski-confirms-shedeur-sanders-will-start-browns-preseason-opener.html [10] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/08/browns-preseason-opener-is-a-significant-opportunity-for-young-players.html [11] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/07/browns-have-five-quarterbacks-in-camp-for-preseason.html [12] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/08/only-two-quarterbacks-sanders-and-huntley-expected-to-play-in-preseason-opener.html
- The Cleveland Browns' 2025 preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers will see Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick, make his first start.
- Despite being initially announced as the starter, Joe Flacco will not play in the preseason opener, with Sanders and Tyler Huntley taking his place instead.
- Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders will start the game, offering an exciting opportunity for the rookie to shine in American football.
- In this significant game of sports, Sanders has a chance to compete for a backup role and make a strong impression, following his two touchdown passes in the preseason opener against the Panthers.
- The American-football sports analysis shows that the preseason opener will be a crucial moment for Sanders, Huntley, and other young players of the Cleveland Browns team as they strive to prove their worth in the NFL.
