Shedeur Sanders dealt major blow in Browns QB competition

Shedeur Sanders did everything in his power to make an impression in his first preseason action with the Cleveland Browns.

And for the most part, it looked like he might carve out an early role. The fifth-round rookie quarterback from Colorado threw two touchdowns without a turnover in his debut, showcasing his skills. He also carried the same accuracy that made him one of college football’s most intriguing prospects.

Unfortunately, an oblique injury robbed Sanders of another chance to hype the masses. It's only August and the momentum he built fizzled. 

On Monday, the Browns made it official. The 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco will be their Week 1 starter. The decision isn’t surprising when you consider the depth chart. Cleveland invested far more in the other quarterbacks in the room.

Flacco arrived in free agency with a Super Bowl MVP on his resume for a second stint with the Browns. Kenny Pickett was acquired before the 2025 NFL Draft, with the team selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel 50 picks before Sanders at No. 94 overall.

Sanders faced an uphill battle that was always steep. But he still made the best of the opportunity to learn behind Flacco, which could be invaluable toward his NFL future.

If Sanders embraces the long view "marathon", he and Gabriel both have the opportunity to grow. For now, though, Sanders’ first chance to start in the regular season has to wait. But given the Browns injury woes at quarterback, don't be surprised if it comes sooner rather than later.