Still the QB4 - Will Shedeur Sanders get another shot in Browns preseason Week 2?
A standout performance by Browns QB Shedeur Sanders in his debut was non-negotiable if he wants to be a starter, but after 2 TDs, he’s still listed as QB4.
After a tumultuous start to his career that involved drama, controversy, and a slide into the fifth round of the NFL Draft in April, quarterback Shedeur Sanders finally got his shot to prove he belongs in the big league on Friday in the Cleveland Browns’ opening preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
He made the most of his opportunity, completing 14 of 23 passes and throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns in their 30-10 victory. With Joe Flacco resting and both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined by hamstring injuries, the fifth-round rookie played nearly three quarters, giving fans hope he might climb the depth chart.
This angle of Shedeur Sanders’ first TD 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/qAggKGkHdU
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 10, 2025
Will Shedeur Sanders start Browns Preseason Week 2?
However, Cleveland’s latest roster update still lists Sanders as their fourth string behind Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel. Unfortunately for Sanders, one strong outing just isn’t enough to overtake fellow rookie Gabriel on the Browns’ depth chart. Gabriel was drafted two rounds earlier, a factor that often influences NFL roster decisions.
While veterans Flacco and Pickett are firmly ahead, Gabriel’s lingering injury could open the door for Sanders to move up. The next two preseason games, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles matchup, will be crucial for Sanders to prove he deserves a bigger role and keep himself in the coaches’ plans.
The Browns’ second preseason game against the Eagles is this Saturday. Coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to name a starter for Saturday’s game, saying the decision will come midweek.
“I’m not there on the game itself,” Stefanski said. “By Wednesday or Thursday, I’ll have a better feel for the game and how we’re gonna handle that.”
While Gabriel has returned to limited practice and Pickett remains out of 11-on-11 drills, Stefanski insists all quarterbacks will keep getting opportunities.
“I’m not gonna get into reps ... other than to say we’re gonna continue to mix these guys,” Stefanski said. “And also to say we are gonna be very intentional about our quarterbacks’ development.”
For now, Sanders’ strong showing hasn’t yet translated into a bigger role, but the door remains open as the preseason unfolds.
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