Colorado legend Shedeur Sanders at risk of missing ‘best opportunity to become Browns starter
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition has narrowed from four contenders to three following Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury. Now, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are battling it out for the starting job. And to some, there already appears to be a clear front-runner.
“If I was a betting man, Joe Flacco is gonna go into the year as the starter,” former NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick said. “He has history there, he has success there, and I think it’s a great story. He’s a guy that’ll bring calm, he’s the guy that’s going to be able to get them off on the right foot. As the season goes along, when you draft guys early, and when you have young exciting guys, they’re excited for Gabriel, we could see him inserted into the lineup.”
Shedeur Sanders, however, appears to be on the outside looking in. During training camp, he’s seen minimal action — and much of it has raised eyebrows as he is throwing to equipment guys.
“Shedeur Sanders apparently is throwing not to receivers but to equipment guys. They have got equipment guys snapping him the ball and then also running the routes. Mahomes is throwing to Kelce, Shedeur is throwing to equipment guys,” ESPN Cleveland’s Aaron Goldhammer reported.
Sanders has received only limited reps with the first team and didn’t participate in team drills on Saturday due to arm soreness. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse.
“The timing couldn’t be worse for the fifth-round pick. With joint practices against the Carolina Panthers approaching Wednesday and the first preseason game on Friday, Sanders is at risk of missing his best opportunity to showcase his abilities in game situations,” said Cleveland.com’s Dan Labbe on the Orange and Brown Podcast.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Sanders was approaching a critical window to prove himself. If he’s able to return this week and play well in Friday’s preseason game, it could reignite excitement and put pressure on Browns decision-makers. But if he misses this window, it may be a major setback in his efforts to climb the depth chart.
