Shedeur Sanders' Arrival For Browns' Preseason Opener Draws Attention

Shedeur Sanders' Arrival For Browns' Preseason Opener Draws Attention originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Cleveland Browns open up their preseason on Friday with an away matchup against the Carolina Panthers at 7 p.m. ET, and all eyes are on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The team previously announced he'd open up the game under center with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sitting out, all of whom are also competing to be the Week 1 starter.

This matchup creates an important opportunity for Sanders to set himself apart and prove why he's the man for the job despite being listed fourth on the first unofficial depth chart.

Sanders' Arrival Catches Fans' Attention

Before the game starts, the Browns posted a video of Sanders' arrival, captioned "time to be legendary," showcasing the young quarterback walking through the tunnel at Bank of America Stadium. It's led to many social media users expressing their excitement.

time to be legendary ⌚️@ShedeurSanders | #DawgPoundpic.twitter.com/3xP0heIosx

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 8, 2025

"I don’t think I was this interested and pumped to watch a week 1 pre season game.. Give em’ hell," said one comment.

"wouldn’t be watching if he wasn’t playing. Favorite player of all-time in any sport," said another.

"I’m a steeler fan all the way… but I still want him to do his thing and prove em wrong…." a third added.

A fourth stated, "This is legendary cuz no other 5th round pick will ever get this type of treatment in PRE-SEASON."

"The ice and the shades Let's get it 12," a fifth continued.

"I really hope he does good tonight, prove everybody wrong," said another.

Kevin Stefanski's Plan for Sanders Revealed

Despite three quarterbacks sitting out, Sanders may not be the only one getting reps against the Panthers. Some time could be split with Tyler Huntley, whom the Browns signed on Tuesday.

However, Sanders is still projected to get a healthy amount of playing time, with head coach Kevin Stefanski saying the quarterback should get about “50 plays of game work, which I think will be great for him," according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

Last season, NFL teams averaged 62.2 offensive plays per game, so if Stefanski's claim does become a reality, Sanders will be under center for a majority of Friday's contest.

Related: Miami Dolphins Dealt Concerning Tyreek Hill News on Friday

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.