Overview

• Sanders draws the start against the Carolina Panthers after Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel were ruled out with hamstring injuries and Joe Flacco was held out.
• Cleveland signed veteran Tyler Huntley and will rely on only Sanders and Huntley to handle all quarterback duties in the opener.
• Despite taking few first-team reps in training camp, Sanders is slated for about 50 snaps to showcase his ability against a first-team defense.
• The fifth-round pick’s preseason debut carries added scrutiny after his fall to No. 144 in April despite winning the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
• The extensive workload will serve as a key evaluation in a crowded Browns quarterback room still seeking long-term answers following Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury.