Browns’ Shedeur Sanders could be losing valuable opportunity

Before Wednesday’s practice, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed rookie QB Dillon Gabriel will start against Philadelphia as long as he’s healthy enough to play. The 2025 third-rounder missed Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers because of a hamstring issue. 

However, Stefanski previously said Sanders would get more reps this week after a solid preseason debut. The former Colorado Buffaloes star received the start in the 30-10 win over Carolina, going 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards and two touchdown passes. 

Not playing against Philadelphia could disrupt Sanders’ momentum. More importantly, it may eliminate another opportunity for him to overtake Gabriel in Cleveland’s four-way QB competition. 

Sanders is listed as the Browns QB4 behind Gabriel, Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco on the team’s unofficial depth chart.

Despite questions about Gabriel’s size (5-foot-11, 205 pounds), the coaching staff seems to favor him over Sanders. 

Earlier this offseason, Gabriel’s processing speed reportedly impressed Browns coaches, giving him an edge over Sanders. The former Oregon Ducks star also received reps with the first-team offense during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, while his fellow rookie didn’t. 

If Gabriel plays well against the Eagles, that would continue to affirm the coaching staff’s confidence in the 24-year-old QB. 

Neither Sanders nor Gabriel is expected to be the Week 1 starter for the Browns. It’s likely going to be Flacco, who helped Cleveland make the playoffs in 2023 when he went 4-1 during a late-season stretch. 

Still, another solid preseason showing could help Sanders position himself to replace 40-year-old Flacco in the future. With the setback, it may take more time to climb the depth chart.