Sanders to start in Browns preseason opener

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick revisits his critique of Shedeur Sanders as Cleveland plans a Friday preseason start.

Riddick clarifies concerns over Sanders preseason start with Browns

Shedeur Sanders will start Cleveland's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, a move driven by injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. The option places a rookie fifth‑round pick in a high‑leverage role with limited practice reps and a short runway before regular-season games.

Louis Riddick had suggested the lack of practice time could push Sanders to perform at hero level, a claim he later clarified as a concern about reps rather than a setup to fail. The exchange highlights how media commentary can shape expectations around a young quarterback and the delicate balance teams must strike between testing a prospect and protecting development.

The episode shows how punditry can influence a QB arc even before the first snap. Preseason reps are a critical testing ground, but they must be paired with patient coaching and clear evaluation criteria. Cleveland faces a familiar tension: accelerate a promising talent or protect him until he's ready. The longer the rookie waits for meaningful live reps, the more the team risks turning potential into pressure and premature judgments.

Highlights

The real test will be on the field, where progress speaks louder than punditry.