The Cleveland Browns have decided to start rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. Sanders was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft and will compete with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for the team’s starting spot. Both Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was taken in the third round, will sit out due to hamstring injuries. Despite getting fewer reps with the starters at training camp, Sanders’ opportunities may have increased due to Pickett’s and Gabriel’s absences. The Browns are set to begin joint practices with the Panthers on Wednesday before facing off against them on Friday.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45909479/sources-browns-start-shedeur-sanders-preseason-opener