Shedeur Sanders Set to Start in NFL Preseason Debut for Browns

After a surprising slide in the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders is about to get his first taste of pro football. The rookie quarterback will start for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, airing live on NFL Network.

Cleveland’s quarterback room has been hit hard by injuries, which means Sanders is expected to get extended playing time. Veteran Joe Flacco remains the projected regular-season starter, but head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Flacco will sit out this game. Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel are still recovering from injuries, leading the Browns to sign free agent Tyler Huntley earlier this week. Stefanski says Sanders and Huntley will be the only QBs to take the field.

From College Star to Fifth-Round Pick

At 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, Sanders entered the draft with some projecting him as a potential top-10 pick. Instead, he fell to the fifth round at 144th overall. The 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner thrived under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders, playing two seasons at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado for two more.

In 50 career college games, Sanders completed 1,267 of 1,808 passes for 14,353 yards, tossing 134 touchdowns to just 27 interceptions, while adding 17 rushing scores.

Father’s Perspective

Deion Sanders admitted it will be “a little weird” watching his son suit up for the Browns.

“I’m praying for him, and God has set him up in the perfect position,” Deion said. “He’s well prepared, and he’s approaching it like a regular-season game. He’s thankful for the opportunity and doesn’t get caught up in the media.”

Shedeur has dealt with some shoulder soreness during camp, but Stefanski said that’s no longer a concern.

Facing Carolina’s Starters

Sanders will get a real test right out of the gate. Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Carolina’s starters, including quarterback Bryce Young, will play one or two series depending on possession length. That means Sanders will see action against the Panthers’ first-team defense before likely playing deep into the game.

Kickoff is set for Friday night, and all eyes will be on the Browns rookie looking to make an early statement.