Shedeur Sanders to Start for Cleveland Browns in Preseason Opener

Shedeur Sanders Gets Nod for Preseason Debut

The Cleveland Browns have announced Shedeur Sanders as their starter for the preseason opener. Read more about the team's quarterback situation.

“Sometimes you'll go in hot, then you'll wait for a second, then you'll get cold, then get back hot...”

Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on August 8th. Despite being listed fourth on the team's depth chart, Sanders gets a chance to showcase his skills in the upcoming game.

Shedeur Sanders is set to take first-team reps during Wednesday's practice in preparation for his preseason opener start against the Carolina Panthers.

The sudden announcement is surprising given Sanders was held out of practice on Saturday due to shoulder soreness. However, Sanders attributed his absence to a mere adjustment, clearing the way for his preseason start.

QB Shedeur Sanders will start in Browns preseason opener. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/Z611TnShRk

— NFL (@NFL) August 5, 2025

Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, while the Cleveland Browns took fellow quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, setting up an intriguing quarterback competition.

“It was just adjusting to starting and stopping honestly, that's all it truly is,” Sanders said. “Sometimes you'll go in hot, then you'll wait for a second, then you'll get cold, then get back hot, then get cold. My arm and body wasn't used to that. It's just an adjustment within the body.”

Cleveland's rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders faces stiff competition for the Week 1 starting spot, going up against fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, veteran Kenny Pickett, and former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. Flacco previously led the Browns to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth, earning him the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award.

Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, while the Cleveland Browns took fellow quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, setting up an intriguing quarterback competition.