Shedeur Sanders is getting the opportunity to start for the Cleveland Browns in their first preseason game on Friday. He is getting the start largely because of injuries to other quarterbacks on the roster. On Thursday, analyst John Middlekauff made his stance clear about what the preseason could mean for Sanders’ future.
“You never know how your opportunities are going to come,” John Middlekauff said. “Brock Purdy is one of the most talked-about players in the NFL. His opportunity came because Trey Lance shattered his ankle and then Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot. Who knows if Brock Purdy ever happens if two feet don’t get pointed the other way and guys cannot walk off the field.
“And Shedeur Sanders is getting an opportunity to start this game, maybe the entire preseason, because of the hamstring of Kenny Pickett and potentially Dillon Gabriel. Shedeur Sanders is not gonna get cut this year. I think he’s going to make the team and I’ve never seen him throw a pass for the Cleveland Browns, but what about next year?”
Middlekauff went on to discuss a scenario where the Browns’ coach or GM is fired after this season.
“They got two first-round picks. I think we all agree they are going to suck. They are going to be in the quarterback business. You wouldn’t think their coach and GM would lose a job but their owners kinda crazy. What if a new coach comes in? What if he doesn’t like the guy I’m drafting No. 2 overall and Shedeur is still around?”
Middlekauff went on to explain that Sanders is auditioning for his role on the team next season. If a new coach or general manager comes in and does not like the QB options next year, a good year from Sanders this year good propel him into the starting role in 2026.
The Cleveland Browns Hype Up Shedeur Sanders’ Debut on X
The Cleveland Browns are scheduled to play the Carolina Panthers on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. On the morning of the game, the Browns’ X account made a post to get fans excited for Shedeur Sanders’ debut for the team.
“Gameday mood.”
gameday mood pic.twitter.com/kLGE1Enb0k
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 8, 2025
While Shedeur Sanders is still listed as the fourth-string QB on the roster, he will start on Friday and could get a lot of the preseason playing time if Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel stay injured. Joe Flacco is projected to be the Week 1 starter, but at 40 years old, he is not expected to play much in the preseason.
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