The Cleveland Browns are ready to give their newest quarterback his first taste of NFL action. When they face the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, rookie Shedeur Sanders will be under center, marking a surprising turn for a player who slipped far deeper in the draft than anyone expected.
Why Is Shedeur Sanders Starting Despite Being Fourth on the Depth Chart?
Sanders, who was selected with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Browns despite being initially projected by many to be taken off the board in the first round, hasn’t been getting many reps in team practices and is low on the depth chart behind the likes of Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the entire 2025 NFL season due to an Achilles injury.
However, head coach Kevin Stefanski has already tabbed Sanders as his starter for Friday’s game and isn’t concerned about the arm soreness that recently limited him during practice. Sanders, who was recently held out of team drills due to arm soreness, won’t be limited, per Stefanski.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski says Shedeur Sanders’ arm soreness from Saturday is not a concern. He’s also not worried about him facing the #Panthers’ ones with mostly #Browns backups.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 6, 2025
“On the game itself, we have a game on Friday night coming up,” Stefanski said. “We’ll rest some starters and some players will play. Obviously, we’re holding out some guys due to injury as you know. We’ll play Shedeur at quarterback.”
What Are Stefanski’s Expectations for Sanders’ Preseason Debut?
Despite Sanders’ position on the depth chart, Stefanski isn’t lowering his standards for the rookie’s first appearance.
“My expectations for Shedeur are not different than the rest of the guys, honestly,” Stefanski said. “We expect him to go operate. When you get into these preseason games, you try and keep it very simple so guys can play fast. All concepts that our players know and not think too much and just play ball.”
Sanders has shown promise during his first week of practice. He completed 49-of-70 passes while also throwing for six touchdowns and no interceptions.
“He’s excited,” Stefanski said of Sanders’ first unofficial NFL start later this week. “And he knew he was going to play a good bit in these preseason games. The competitor in him is very excited.”
The Browns and Panthers will officially kick off on Friday night starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.
They’ll follow that game up with exhibition matchups against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams before officially beginning the regular season schedule by hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7.
