Shedeur Sanders becomes starting quarterback for Browns' preseason opener

In the United States, Shedeur Sanders has been announced as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in their first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, taking place this Friday. This decision was made public by head coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday, as he detailed the rationale behind Sanders' selection as the starting signal caller. Due to injuries affecting quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, alongside a rest day granted to Joe Flacco, the Browns had no choice but to elevate the rookie, who has been primarily practicing with the second-team offense throughout training camp. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are both recovering from hamstring injuries that have sidelined them during training camp, raising concerns about their availability for the preseason opener. Flacco, who was originally listed as the starting quarterback on the unofficial depth chart, will not participate in this game, leading to the Browns searching for alternatives to lead the offense on Friday night. Sanders, who was a fifth-round draft pick, previously had to contend with a sore shoulder that affected his practice capabilities prior to returning as a full participant. The decision to start Sanders comes not without challenges, as the Browns' offense will also be missing key players. Starting wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are not expected to take the field against the Panthers, meaning that Sanders will likely be working with backups and third-stringers during this crucial matchup. Nevertheless, the organization is optimistic about Sanders' opportunity to showcase his skills as he faces an NFL defense for the first time, an experience that is both significant and pivotal in his professional development. The Browns' approach in handling this situation reflects a balance between providing necessary gameplay opportunities for young talent like Sanders while managing the health of their starting players. With the team not wanting to risk injuries to players who are seen as integral to their success in the regular season, the decision is not only a solution for the immediate future but also an evaluation of Sanders' abilities in a high-pressure environment. The outcome of the game and Sanders' performance will influence the team's quarterback strategy moving forward as the regular season approaches.