With news that Shedeur Sanders will get the start in the Cleveland Browns’ NFL preseason opener, all eyes are on the former Colorado passer. Of course, the Browns have four other quarterbacks on their team, including veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
NFL training camps are well underway, and teams will get a chance to have joint practices. That was the case on Wednesday, August 6, when the Browns and Carolina Panthers got together for some field work.
The two teams will square off in a preseason contest on Friday night. Yet NFL onlookers want to see how the Browns’ quarterback competition is looking right now.
Did Shedeur Sanders Look Sharp in Browns’ Workout?
Sanders, Flacco, Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and journeyman Tyler Huntley, who the Browns just signed, all got some valuable reps against the Panthers’ defense.
In looking at the post-workout numbers provided by ESPN Cleveland, Flacco went 8-for-13 while Pickett connected on two touchdown passes and Gabriel had one. As for Sanders, he was 4-for-7 with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Browns and Panthers joint practice just wrapped up. Here’s how all 5 QBs performed in team drills.
Shedeur Sanders will start the preseason game on Friday. pic.twitter.com/HDgeXEfpm8
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 6, 2025
Getting all five quarterbacks involved in the workout with Carolina is a breath of good news for Browns fans. Flacco has remained healthy throughout the Browns’ camp. Pickett’s action on Wednesday was the first time he’s participated in 7-on-7 drills since July 26, when he suffered a mild hamstring strain.
Gabriel has been out since Monday due to hamstring tightness, while Sanders has missed some time with arm soreness, according to an NFL.com story.
Is Sanders Still Under the Browns’ Microscope?
Huntley built up a reputation as a solid backup to Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson. In 2024, Huntley played in five games for the Miami Dolphins after they lost quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a concussion.
Being under a microscope is nothing new for Sanders, who played college ball for his father, Deion Sanders, at both Jackson State and Colorado. Putting him as QB1 for their NFL preseason opener might be a sign that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski believes in Sanders.
As pointed out earlier, injuries have affected the Browns’ quarterback situation. With Sanders listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the team’s depth chart, it’s probably surprising to some that he’s getting the early snaps against Carolina.
The Browns-Panthers matchup kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, August 8, and will air live on the NFL Network.
