Shedeur Sanders enters the NFL as one of the most polarizing rookie quarterbacks of all time. While he entered the pre-draft process viewed as a surefire first-round pick and potential top-five overall pick, the former Colorado Buffaloes star wound up suffering one of the most shocking draft-day slides in recent memory as he remained on the board until Day 3 — where the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round.
The son of Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has a rare opportunity to compete for a starting role as he is in a training camp battle with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. While he has received plenty of praise during mandatory minicamp and the beginning of training camp, Sanders was expected to enter the preseason as the fourth quarterback on Cleveland’s depth chart.
A training camp injury to one of his fellow quarterbacks could expedite the process of his setting foot on the field.
Shedeur Sanders’ Chances of Playing Increase After Injury to Kenny Pickett
The Browns are in the midst of a training camp battle at quarterback. Adam Schefter reported that Pickett will be forced to miss time after suffering a hamstring injury, tweeting:
“Browns QB Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice and is expected to re-evaluate the injury later this week, per sources. Pickett was coming off a strong couple of practices, per sources, and at least for the short term, there now will be more reps for Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.”
Browns QB Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice and is expected to re-evaluate the injury later this week, per sources. Pickett was coming off a strong couple of practices, per sources, and at least for the short term, there now will be more reps… pic.twitter.com/y2oxkt96fy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2025
Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi chimed in, adding:
“And this comes as the Browns coaching staff discusses the QB rotation for Week 2 of training camp. Pickett ran the second-most amount of team drills with the starting offense in Week 1, only behind Joe Flacco.”
And this comes as the Browns coaching staff discusses the QB rotation for Week 2 of training camp. Pickett ran the second-most amount of team drills with the starting offense in Week 1, only behind Joe Flacco. https://t.co/2Qbz2BohR4
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) July 27, 2025
The opportunity for both Sanders and Gabriel will certainly increase following Pickett’s injury. They are set to begin the preseason in just under two weeks, meaning that both rookies could have a chance to stand out. Browns general manager Andrew Berry has already hinted that the organization could retain all four players to begin the regular season.
