Shedeur Sanders Has Shocking Spot on Browns Second Depth Chart

Newsweek

5 hours ago

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Shedeur Sanders captured the attention of the entire NFL world after his professional preseason debut led to some significant gains with the Cleveland Browns. Sanders ended his first showing with 14-for-23 passing attempts, 138 yards, two touchdowns, and four carries for 19 yards.
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Sanders also showcased some high-level plays by using his feet to gain decent yardage. He may have had a couple of mistakes like holding the ball for too long and taking a costly sack, but his debut was sound.
Fans and pundits alike have called for Sanders to get more significant playing time, especially with the first and second teams in practice, but that might not be the case.
The second depth chart for the Browns has been released, and Sanders has a shocking spot.
On Cleveland's second depth chart of the summer, here is how the Browns are listing their quarterbacks this week:
🏈1. Joe Flacco
🏈2. Kenny Pickett
🏈3. Dillon Gabriel
🏈4. Shedeur Sanders — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2025
Despite his preseason debut performance, Sanders remains fourth on the depth chart. It is shocking considering Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are still dealing with hamstring issues.
New reports indicate that Gabriel is farther along in his recovery and has rejoined 11-on-11 activities. Still, he may not make his preseason debut in Week 2.
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the first half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North...
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the first half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. More
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Sanders took the reins with the injured quarterbacks forcing him into the starting role, and he took full advantage of the moment. What made his debut even better is that the young quarterback stated in an interview that he did not play up to his own standard.
Being self-aware and humble can take him far, especially if he continues to perform in the way that he did in preseason Week 1. As it stands right now, though, he will presumably not be playing with the first or second teams in practice this week.
Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, could take a lot of criticism for this decision, but it was just the first preseason game. Sanders has a lot of room for growth, and he must continue to keep his head down and work his way into a favorable place on the depth chart.
There are still those who have considered what Sanders showed against the Carolina Panthers enough for him to get more playing time with the first team, but that might not be the case.
To Stefanski's credit, he does still need to see what Pickett and Gabriel can do, as this is an ongoing quarterback battle. Everyone needs the time to either prove or disprove their places on the depth chart.
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