Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is no longer in a position where he is comfortably his team’s starting quarterback. At the start of Cleveland Browns training camp, he was listed as the fourth-string QB behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. Despite that, reports started to come out early this week that Sanders will start in the team’s preseason opener against QB Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers on Friday.
However, those reports were not verified until Wednesday when Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders will start over Gabriel, Pickett and Flacco. Insider Mary Kay Cabot reported Stefanski’s statement on X on Wednesday morning.
“Browns Stefanski confirms Shedeur Sanders will start vs Panthers Friday night,” Cabot wrote.
#Browns Stefanski confirms Shedeur Sanders will start vs #Panthers Friday night
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 6, 2025
In a follow-up tweet, Cabot reported Stefanski’s comments on which Browns QBs will be in the line-up on Friday.
“Browns Stefanski said only Shedeur and Tyler Huntley will play vs Panthers Friday night. Today in practice, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will not do 11 on 11s,” she wrote.
#Browns Stefanski said only Shedeur and Tyler Huntley will play vs #Panthers Friday night. Today in practice, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will not do 11 on 11s .
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 6, 2025
Former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley was not a member of the Browns at the start of the training camp. However, despite the team’s crowded QB room, the Browns signed him on Tuesday.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Speaks About Shedeur Sanders’ Reaction to Starting on Friday
Heading into the week, Shedeur Sanders likely did not expect to get the start in the team’s preseason opener. He had the fewest reps among the team’s QBs with the first-team. However, the situation has changed, and now Sanders is getting a big opportunity. Now that he is starting, head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke about Shedeur’s reaction and excitement.
“He’s excited,” Stefanski said. “And he knew he was going to play a good bit in these preseason games. The competitor in him is very excited.”
Part of the reason Sanders is starting on Friday is because of injuries to Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett. According to a report from ESPN, both players are dealing with hamstring injuries.
Joe Flacco is the other one of the Browns’ original four quarterbacks, but he will not play on Friday. He is projected to be the Week 1 starter, but he is 40 years old. As a result, the coaching staff will likely limit his playing time in preseason to minimize injury risks.
Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
