Amid reports that Shedeur Sanders is sitting at QB4 on the Cleveland Browns depth chart, a surprise twist lit up the NFL world, he’s starting in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
That’s right. While officially listed behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur will be the one under center when the Browns take the field. And it’s not some quiet debut either. The Panthers are reportedly planning to start most of their first-team defense. That means Shedeur’s first NFL snaps will come against grown-man pressure, no backups, no easing in.
For a rookie, it’s the perfect storm. Or maybe, the perfect opportunity. If Shedeur wants to prove he belongs in the NFL conversation, this is his shot, and it’s coming early.
The news lit up social media, with NFL legends like Michael Irvin chiming in. Some are excited, others skeptical, but almost all agree: this move says something. Either the Browns see something big in Shedeur, or they want to test his toughness early.
When Stefanski was asked why he won’t play Dillon (tight hamstring) despite him participating in 11-on-11 drills, he said, “We’re just being very careful with him. Don’t want to expose him to any, unnecessary… you know, strain, if you will.”
Either way, all eyes are about to be on Shedeur. Preseason or not, this is a stage. And Shedeur’s got the mic.
How Robert Griffin III Reacted
Robert Griffin III didn’t hold back his excitement. Posting on X, RG3 wrote, “Shedeur Sanders is starting the Cleveland Browns preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers’ starters after getting limited opportunities with the starters in training camp and officially being 4th on the QB depth chart. MASSIVE opportunity for Shedeur and MUST WATCH TV.”
His reaction echoed the buzz across the league. It echoed the message that this isn’t just a preseason game; it’s a spotlight moment.
More NFL Legends React To Shedeur’s Surprise Start
Chad Johnson kept it short but supportive, tweeting, “Give em hell Friday.” That’s classic Ochocinco, straight to the point but fully backing Shedeur to show out when it counts.
During a recent Nightcap episode, he also added that he talked to someone from inside the Browns locker room who told him that Shedeur has been making massive progress as a rookie QB, which is why he is rooting for him even more.
Michael Irvin’s take was more layered. Speaking on his podcast, he said, “You’re the fourth quarterback and now you’re going to get a start after dropping all the way down.” It wasn’t just surprise, it was a nod to how rare this kind of situation is. For Irvin, a Hall of Famer who’s seen every kind of NFL story, this twist signals something bigger in the works.
Irvin said that he expects Shedeur to have “the highest rated first preseason game certainly in the history of the Cleveland Browns and I believe the history of the NFL.”
And then there’s Skip Bayless, never one to sit quietly when it comes to anything involving the Sanders name. He chimed in with, “Maybe fate is finally shining on Shedeur.”
What started as a quiet QB4 role has quickly turned into one of the most talked-about preseason debuts in the league. Whether Shedeur Sanders sinks or shines, the preseason opener is set to be a defining moment in his young NFL journey.
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