All eyes will be on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback carousel. The Browns have the most interesting quarterback room in the league with highly-paid but injured Deshaun Watson, 40-year-old Joe Flacco, Super Bowl winner Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Interestingly, all but one of their quarterbacks are injured and will not be participating in their preseason Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers. Sanders will get his chance to impress as he is named the starting quarterback for this game.
How Much Will QB Shedeur Sanders Play Against Carolina?
In recent memory, this could be the highest-watched preseason game, with Sanders starting the game. The former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback has been designated as the QB4 on the depth chart and has not taken a rep with the first team. Both Pickett and Gabriel have been sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Flacco is being rested.
(pre)season starts now! pic.twitter.com/OIaYw9ab0F
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 8, 2025
Sanders will see significant game time, as will Tyler Huntley, who was just signed earlier this week.
Most starters, like pass rusher Myles Garrett, will not be playing. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has also officially ruled out starting wide receiver duo Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman as a precautionary move with limited depth at the position.
Fellow rookie draftees tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Dylan Sampson are expected to join Sanders as the starters on offense. Fannin Jr. and Sampson have been taking the second-most reps in their positions behind veterans David Njoku and Jerome Ford.
The Panthers will be playing their defensive starters for at least one series, so Sanders and the offensive rookies will have an opportunity to test themselves against starting-caliber players. The two teams recently participated in a joint practice, but this would be a chance for the backups to test themselves in game action.
Which Young Players Will Get Their Chance to Shine?
Besides the three players mentioned on offense, wide receivers Jamari Thrash, Luke Floriea, and Gage Larvadain will also get their chance to impress.
The top two picks from the 2025 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger, may play a few snaps. The third cornerback spot on the roster is also open after the season-ending injury to Martin Emerson. Cameron Mitchell and Myles Harden can use this game to establish their claim.
Special teams will also be of interest. Kicker Dustin Hopkins was a disappointment last season, but the team is sticking with him. He will need to find his confidence in the preseason. Return specialist DeAndre Carter may also see some action.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and all eyes will be on Sanders and his performance.
