The Cleveland Browns are turning to rookie Shedeur Sanders to start their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, a decision born out of necessity rather than design. With veterans Joe Flacco and newly-signed Tyler Huntley available but unlikely to play, and key backups Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel recovering from hamstring injuries, the fifth-round pick is being thrust into the spotlight. Despite being listed fourth on the team’s unofficial depth chart, this unexpected opportunity presents a chance for Sanders to prove his mettle and climb the ranks.
A Rookie’s Trial by Fire
The situation for Sanders is both a gift and a challenge. On one hand, he’s getting valuable game action against an NFL defense, something that was far from guaranteed when the Browns drafted him. On the other, as ESPN analyst and former NFL executive Louis Riddick pointed out on the “Get Up” program, he’s been given limited reps with the first-team offense during training camp. Riddick’s advice to Sanders is a clear-cut blueprint for survival and success in this high-pressure environment: avoid mistakes. “You can’t have presnap penalties,” Riddick cautioned. “You can’t turn the football over. You can’t play off-schedule on a consistent basis where it looks like you don’t know what you’re looking at, meaning that you haven’t been locked in.” This emphasis on foundational football — ball security, mental discipline, and efficiency — is critical for a young quarterback who’s had minimal time to build chemistry with his teammates.
The Injury Report and the Depth Chart Shuffle
The Browns’ quarterback room has seen its share of upheaval. Joe Flacco is the projected starter, a role he earned after a remarkable late-season run last year. Kenny Pickett, brought in after his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was initially competing for the backup job but has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since late July. Similarly, rookie Dillon Gabriel, a third-round draft pick, is also out with a hamstring issue. These injuries have not only opened the door for Sanders but also led the team to sign veteran Tyler Huntley for added depth. The team’s first unofficial depth chart placed Flacco at the top, followed by Pickett, Gabriel, and then Sanders. With two of the three quarterbacks ahead of him on the shelf, Sanders now has a golden opportunity to showcase his talent and make a case for a more prominent role moving forward.
The Path Forward for Sanders
For Sanders, this preseason debut is about more than just playing well; it’s about showing the coaching staff that he’s a reliable option. Riddick’s advice, while blunt, highlights the key areas where a rookie quarterback can either sink or swim. The NFL is a game of details, and mistakes that were forgivable in college can be career-ending at the professional level. Sanders’ performance against the Panthers will be a critical test of his preparation, his ability to manage the game, and his capacity to execute under pressure. While a fifth-round pick often faces an uphill battle to make a final roster, a strong showing could force the coaches to reconsider his place on the depth chart and give him more opportunities when the injured quarterbacks return. The preseason is his chance to turn a series of unfortunate events for his teammates into a defining moment for his own career.
