Shedeur Sanders started Cleveland Browns training camp slowly, getting no first-team reps and struggling in limited action with the backups.
But with Kenny Pickett sidelined by a hamstring injury, Sanders is heating up and impressed again today. Could the rookie be on his way to some valuable playing time in the preseason?
QB Shedeur Sanders Steps Up at Browns Training Camp as Kenny Pickett Misses Time with Injury
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is about as crowded as they come. With Deshaun Watson recovering from an Achilles tear, the team entered training camp with three other guys alongside rookie Shedeur Sanders competing for the starting job: Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders, who the Browns drafted with the No. 144 pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, hasn’t received many opportunities to prove himself so far in camp. But a door opened for the young quarterback after Pickett went down with a hamstring injury at the end of Saturday’s practice.
The former Colorado Buffalo star shone in today’s team drills, completing all nine of his attempts and throwing two touchdowns. It was the first day of pads at Browns training camp, and Sanders led the quarterback room in both completion percentage and touchdowns.
Day 5 of Browns training camp is a wrap. Here’s how all 3 QBs performed in team drills today.
Today was the first day in pads. pic.twitter.com/renmA8AdvU
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 28, 2025
On his first touchdown pass, Sanders showed solid pocket mobility by stepping up and finding wide receiver Gage Larvadain for a deep score, perfectly floating the ball over a defender’s head.
SHEDEUR DEEP TD 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/p4v4UeQoei
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 28, 2025
The other touchdown came at the end of the day when Sanders connected with tight end Sal Cannella for a wide-open score.
SHEDEUR TD TO END THE DAY 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/U1IbgjUf9x
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 28, 2025
Sanders has yet to see many first-team reps, but his improvement since camp started is already clear.
Despite the massive media spotlight on him, he has repeatedly said he’ll keep his head down and be ready when his opportunities come. That’s exactly what he’s doing as he continues to make the most of the reps he’s been given.
If Sanders continues to play well, he’ll give himself a chance to compete for the Browns’ starting job. While he probably won’t start the season as Cleveland’s QB1, the team could turn to him later if they need a change at quarterback.
RELATED: Browns Insider Drops Latest Update on Shedeur Sanders’ Outlook in Battle for Cleveland’s QB1 Spot
His camp performance so far shows he can compete at the NFL level. However, it’s important to note that Cleveland won’t consider him a serious starting option until he proves himself against the first-team defense, something he hasn’t had the opportunity to do yet.
Still, his strong training camp showing on Saturday, followed by today’s performance, shows signs of growth, which is all the Browns can ask for right now.
