Sanders Debut Deepens Browns QB Talk

Shedeur Sanders' preseason showing stirs questions about Cleveland's quarterback future while coach Stefanski keeps the plan in evaluation mode.

Sanders Debut Tests Browns QB Depth

Sanders played 47 snaps in Friday night's preseason opener, accounting for 68 percent of the Browns’ offense. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns and added 19 rushing yards on four carries. Stefanski said the focus was development and evaluation, not a declared quarterback race, and he praised a moving throw to Luke Floriea that he called pretty special.

The depth chart remains unsettled as Joe Flacco is the starter for now while Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel recover from hamstring injuries. Sanders’ performance could push the competition forward if he continues to show poise and accuracy, but Cleveland still faces a timetable and decision that could hinge on how the rest of the roster develops and how the team balances patience with urgency for Week 1.

Stefanski has long emphasized steady development over quick fixes, and this game adds fuel to a quiet pressure cooker. If Sanders keeps delivering, the Browns risk sending mixed signals to veterans and fans while trying to preserve a steady plan for the season. The team must manage expectations, ensure consistency in practice, and avoid rushing a rookie into a role that could derail long-term growth. The coming weeks will reveal whether a compelling debut becomes a path to a clear starter or a reminder that preseason sparks often fade.

Highlights

The next steps will test whether Cleveland stays patient or accelerates the rookie’s path.