The Cleveland Browns continue to spin the quarterback carousel throughout training camp, and the spinning wheel has stopped on Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback for Cleveland’s first preseason game.
The Browns announced that Sanders, the team’s fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will get the start against the Carolina Panthers. Cleveland’s first preseason game comes Friday night in Charlotte, and Sanders will be under center, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Injuries within the Browns crowded quarterback room helped make the decision to start Sanders an easier one. Veteran Kenny Pickett and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel are both sidelined with hamstring injuries, leaving just Sanders and presumptive starter Joe Flacco. To that end, the Browns signed veteran Tyler Huntley to serve as Sanders’ relief in the game, as Flacco is not expected to suit up as a 40-year-old vet.
Sanders has not taken any first-team snaps through Tuesday’s practice session, but he’ll get the starting nod after a joint practice session with the Panthers.