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Dawgs By Nature fantasy football takes on Shedeur Sanders
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Dawgs By Nature about Shedeur Sanders.
80
Insights
11
Positive
32
Negative
Insight ledger
All Dawgs By Nature insights about Shedeur Sanders
NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Many fans called for Shedeur Sanders to replace Deshaun Watson throughout Week 1 following Watson's poor performance; however, one scoring play to Denzel Boston and Monken's post-game refusal to blame Watson suggest Sanders will not get the starting job despite the fan pressure.NegativeDepth ChartSep 13, 2026
Officially confirmed as the Cleveland Browns backup quarterback for Week 1, as head coach Todd Monken stated would happen; starter Deshaun Watson is the primary QB.PositiveValueSep 12, 2026
Sanders is the most popular QB in the Browns room and the backup to Watson; the team never planned to cut him at any point, signaling confidence in his roster spot and potential trade value if other teams experience QB attrition.NegativeDepth ChartSep 11, 2026
Backup quarterback one snap away from stepping in as Cleveland's starter; positioned as the emergency starter behind the primary Week 1 starter.NegativeDepth ChartSep 10, 2026
Second-year quarterback passed over for Week 1 starter role in favor of veteran Deshaun Watson. Head coach Todd Monken determined Sanders 'didn't give him a legitimate reason to start him' based on full body of work through OTAs and training camp. While Sanders is younger with more upside and preferred by fans, Monken chose the veteran to avoid an emotional decision and maintain locker room cohesion before the season opener.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Backup quarterback with potential upside but uncertain future with the team; questions remain about whether he will remain part of the long-term quarterback plan.NegativeDepth ChartSep 10, 2026
Head coach Todd Monken confirmed that Shedeur Sanders is the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart for the Browns' Week 1 opener against Jacksonville, maintaining his backup role behind Deshaun Watson.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
The source identifies Shedeur Sanders as a possible fit for the Browns' 2027 quarterback need, noting 'we would include the possibility, even if slim, that Shedeur Sanders could be that guy' to complete a young roster built around skill position players and a young defensive core.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
The Athletic's new Quarterback Index (QBI) data ranks Shedeur Sanders the lowest among all quarterbacks by a significant margin; the QBI metric attempts to isolate quarterback play from contextual factors and weed out external influences, adding to the negative evaluation of Sanders' performance.NegativeDepth ChartSep 8, 2026
Shedeur Sanders' QB2 status is uncertain heading into the Jaguars opener; Browns HC Todd Monken may have an alternative plan in mind rather than naming Sanders the active backup, suggesting potential benching or role reduction for the young quarterback.NegativeDepth ChartSep 7, 2026
Expected to be named backup QB with Green as emergency third, but Monken's cryptic comments suggest Sanders may not be trusted as a viable backup. The source interprets Monken's hedging as evidence that 'he is nowhere near being a starting quarterback and still needs considerable work before they even consider him a viable backup option.'NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
The Athletic's Mike Sando ranked Sanders last overall in his annual QB tier ranking, placing him in the lowest tier alongside Deshaun Watson. The Quarterback Index (QBI) metric scored Sanders at 47, significantly below all other starting QBs; his 2025 season performance was approximately 40% worse than the next-ranked quarterbacks (JJ McCarthy at 76, Tua Tagovailoa at 78, Cam Ward at 78). The QBI metric isolates quarterback performance from supporting cast contributions, crediting only what the quarterback provides on a per-play basis, yet Sanders still ranked last. Sando's commentary on Sanders was notably harsh: 'I'd sleep like a baby if I got to play him every week.' SB Nation's quarterback data also had Sanders' 2025 performance at the bottom of the league.PositiveProjectionSep 7, 2026
Sanders is identified as a likely future Browns quarterback prospect from the 2027 NFL draft class; the source notes that Week 1 college football performance from the potential 2027 draft class of quarterbacks gives reason for excitement about the future, positioning Sanders as part of the Browns' long-term quarterback development plan.NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
Sanders came into the NFL unprepared for the speed of NFL defenders, a common rookie adjustment. In practice, he faces elite competition daily from Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, mirroring the competitive environment that historically forced Browns receivers like Brian Brennan, Webster Slaughter, and Reggie Langhorne to elevate their play. This daily exposure to elite defensive talent is part of his development process.NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
Sanders showed development from his rookie year to his second season, with improved downfield vision and processing. However, he remains a developmental player who needs continued work on decision-making and ball security. Bitonio emphasized that Sanders' improvement is evident but he requires more time to learn and process as a young quarterback before he is ready to compete for the starting role.NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
Joel Bitonio, a 13-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who saw Sanders in live games and practice, identified critical development gaps: Sanders lacks anticipation and takes too long to throw. Bitonio noted that while Sanders shows improvement from his rookie year and looks downfield more, he isn't ready for the NFL pace; taking over three seconds to throw is unmanageable even with elite pass protection. Sanders is productive only when he has a clean pocket and must learn to process faster and get the ball out quicker.NegativeRoleSep 7, 2026
Todd Monken chose Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback over Sanders following an open training camp competition. Monken's decision was likely based on practice performance against Cleveland's defense (last year's #4 unit) rather than preseason games against second- and third-string opponents.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Sanders is one of several quarterback options (alongside Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green) the source lists as potential starters. The source expresses concern that regardless of which QB starts, poor quarterback play could handicap the offense and negatively impact the development of young offensive weapons.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Sanders is part of the Browns QB rotation that underperformed in 2025, combining with Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel to produce only 2,808 passing yards (second-fewest in NFL) and 16 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. The source indicates the Browns will need significantly better QB play in 2026, requiring approximately 600 additional passing yards (36 per game) to reach playoff-caliber performance benchmarks set by Eagles (3,303) and Steelers (3,440).NegativeDepth ChartSep 2, 2026
The Browns chose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback, a decision that answered the depth-chart question without ending the debate over who actually gives the team the best chance to win.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Sanders is positioned as the Browns' new starting quarterback. The source speculates that the quarterback room strategy—keeping Gabriel on IR and maintaining Taylen Green as a backup—is designed so that when Deshaun Watson inevitably gets injured, Gabriel will be available as an experienced backup to Sanders rather than relying on the unproven Green or free agent options.NegativeDepth ChartSep 1, 2026
Shedeur Sanders made the Browns' initial 53-man roster as one of four quarterbacks kept in the organization. However, the source suggests that Joe Milton's potential arrival would likely end Sanders' time in Cleveland, indicating his roster security is uncertain despite making the initial 53-man cut.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Sanders lost quarterback competitions in back-to-back seasons: last year to aged Joe Flacco and undersized Dillon Gabriel, and this year to Deshaun Watson (who hasn't been good for half a decade and missed a year and a half). The addition of Joe Milton to the Browns would likely lead to Sanders' departure, as Milton's experience and athletic profile make him the preferred backup over the rookie Taylen Green; Sanders' repeated losses to inferior competition suggest the organization is not high on his talent.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Sanders made the Browns' initial 53-man roster despite questions around his play; the source indicates uncertainty about Sanders' performance is a key reason the team kept multiple QB options active.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Sanders appears on both the 2025 and 2026 initial 53-man rosters as a backup QB, indicating roster continuity at the position despite overall QB room uncertainty.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Passed over for Week 1 starting QB role in favor of Deshaun Watson; head coach Todd Monken's decision to start Watson instead was noted as unpopular with Browns fans, suggesting Sanders will begin the season in a backup capacity.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Shedeur Sanders is one of three quarterbacks on the Browns' initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season, alongside Taylen Green and Deshaun Watson.NegativeRoleAug 30, 2026
Named as backup quarterback behind Deshaun Watson for Week 1; the source describes this as an unpopular decision by head coach Todd Monken, with fan sentiment heavily negative (90%+ opposed to Watson starting). One commenter (Spidey) noted that in training camp and preseason, there was not much difference in TD/INT results between Sanders and Watson, but Watson appeared to have better command in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage, which influenced Monken's decision.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Developmental QB who has not mastered NFL fundamentals despite full offseason program, OTAs, minicamps, and training camp; struggles with calling plays, audible volume for linemen, and ball release timing; ranked No. 60 in EPA/Play and No. 81 in Total EPA (-73.37) in rookie season, ahead of only Brady Cook, Geno Smith, and Cam Ward.PositiveDepth ChartAug 28, 2026
Sanders won the backup quarterback role over Dillon Gabriel and is projected to make the 53-man roster as the second-string quarterback behind Deshaun Watson, with Taylen Green as the third-stringer.NegativeRoleAug 27, 2026
Part of the Browns QB competition; positioned to see the field quickly if Watson's injury/durability issues limit his availability to six or fewer games as expected by most Cleveland fans.NegativeDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Shedeur Sanders was passed over for the starting quarterback role by head coach Todd Monken in favor of Deshaun Watson, a decision that generated significant fanbase angst and signals Sanders is not the preferred option despite entering the season.NegativeDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Lost the QB competition to Deshaun Watson and has been relegated to backup role. The source states 'the path to any future for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland is narrowing' but notes that the path 'has not completely vanished because I have no faith that Deshaun Watson can stay healthy for an entire season or be productive enough to keep the job.' Sanders, a fifth-round draft choice from last year, was the primary competition to Watson, but the starter decision signals the organization's lack of confidence in his near-term prospects.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Backup QB Shedeur Sanders will not play in the final preseason game against New England as the Browns rest key backups alongside their starters, limiting his opportunity for additional preseason reps before the August 30 roster cutdown.NegativeDepth ChartAug 26, 2026
Fifth-round draft pick from last year relegated to QB2 on the depth chart after losing the starting competition to Deshaun Watson. The source notes the competition was primarily between Watson and Sanders, with Watson's selection as starter effectively ending Sanders' path to the starting role.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Competed with Deshaun Watson in the quarterback competition during spring and preseason; Todd Monken admitted for the first time that it was 'pretty obvious' Watson was ahead in the spring, but Sanders made it a competitive race.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Shedeur Sanders lost the starting quarterback competition to Deshaun Watson, with HC Todd Monken naming Watson the starter on Monday. Sanders will also not play in the final preseason game on Thursday.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Sanders was initially projected to be traded after Watson won the starting job, but a trade remains possible though unlikely after the veteran received the starting nod.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Sanders was evaluated as a starting QB candidate throughout training camp and preseason games but was passed over for Watson; the coaching staff chose Watson for his experience, but Sanders offers more upside as a second-year player with significant room to develop, contrasting with Watson's declined play from his career peak.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Lost the Browns QB competition to Deshaun Watson despite widespread assumption that Watson's poor preseason performance and critical press conference would lead to Sanders winning the starting job. The source notes that 'everyone assuming that Deshaun Watson's performance on the field and in the press conference closed the door on him and would lead to Shedeur Sanders getting the starting job,' but head coach Todd Monken ultimately chose Watson as the Week 1 starter for 2026, leaving Sanders as a backup option with the 2027 draft class lurking as potential future alternatives.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Named backup quarterback behind Deshaun Watson. Sanders is taking all second-team reps as the Browns prepare for the regular season, with the coaching staff using the final weeks of camp to develop him.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Shedeur Sanders competes with Deshaun Watson for the 2026 starting QB role under new head coach Todd Monken. Sanders started seven games in 2025 and is positioned as the likely replacement if Watson struggles or is injured. The source projects Sanders will take over as starter if the Browns begin 0-2 or 0-4, with Monken prepared to make the switch during the bye week if the team is winless after Week 9.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Shedeur Sanders lost the starting QB competition to Deshaun Watson for 2026. The source notes Monken will say nice things about Sanders and acknowledge he made the competition tight throughout the process, but the veteran Watson was ultimately chosen. Potential factors cited include easier transition from veteran to youngster than vice versa, possible trade interest in Sanders, and Sanders deferring to Watson to start the season.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Named backup QB after close competition with Deshaun Watson for the starting job. Both Sanders and Watson showed flashes of QB1 potential in HC Todd Monken's offense, but the decision ultimately favored Watson's experience. Sanders remains in position to take over as starter at any time if Watson's on-field performance declines, given the competitive nature of the decision and Watson's recent struggles.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Shedeur Sanders is competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns' starting quarterback job. Head coach Todd Monken was expected to name a starter before the final preseason game but delayed the decision and now anticipates announcing the starter on Monday, three weeks before the season opener against Jacksonville.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Sanders is the other contender for the starter's role after one of the worst rookie seasons in the past 25 years. His key selling point is that he is not Deshaun Watson. From an on-field perspective, Sanders has not shown enough to be called QB1, but from an off-field perspective he is the call 100 times out of 100. Starting Sanders would finally put to rest excuses about his poor rookie performance, as he will have had several weeks of practice with the first-team offense and all starters in the huddle for Week 1. Even if the Browns open 0-2, there will still be grace given to the team with Sanders as starter.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Sanders was given the start in the second preseason game against Buffalo, with HC Todd Monken's process appearing to lean toward Watson as the starter; however, Sanders' performance in that game was adequate ('looked okay'), and Watson's poor showing has created uncertainty in the starting QB competition.NegativeBustAug 23, 2026
Once pressured, Sanders didn't know what to do next; threw an interception where he was a step behind backup TE Jermain Terry, who attempted to catch it while turning around before the ball hit off his arm into the defender's hands. The source notes this was against Buffalo's second-string defense and raises concern about how Sanders will perform against a first-string defense, which hasn't been tested yet this preseason.PositiveProjectionAug 23, 2026
Sanders looked great at times when his pocket remained clean, demonstrating solid mechanics and decision-making; on a third-and-15 play, he had 6.2 seconds in a clean pocket, looked at three receivers before finding WR Luke Floriea open for 16 yards and a first down with perfect progressions and throw execution.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Started the second preseason game for Cleveland against Buffalo following Deshaun Watson's start in the first preseason game, indicating a clear backup role in the quarterback rotation.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Sanders is competing directly with Deshaun Watson for the Browns' starting quarterback job heading into Week 1. The preseason matchup against Buffalo was a key audition in this competition, with Watson's poor second-half performance (5 of 12, 36 yards, 1 INT) and subsequent controversial postgame comments potentially benefiting Sanders' case for the starting role.NegativeProjectionAug 23, 2026
Sanders played 'ok' in his preseason start against Buffalo in the 31-7 loss; his performance, along with Watson's poor showing, failed to provide clarity on who will be the Browns' starting quarterback. Terry Pluto's assessment suggests Watson will probably be the starting QB 'for now,' implying Sanders remains in the competition but Watson retains the edge despite his poor preseason performance.PositiveProjectionAug 22, 2026
In his preseason start with second-team support, Sanders completed 9-of-11 for 74 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT; led a touchdown drive connecting with Luke Floriea in the end zone and found Blake Whiteheart for a key first down on 4th-and-2, demonstrating competent execution in limited action despite one interception on a tipped pass to Jermaine Terry.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Sanders is expected to get the first half of action in the team's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills as he attempts to make a final impression on Todd Monken to win the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job. The source notes that whether Sanders is truly a viable candidate for the starting job remains to be seen, but his focus is on having a good performance.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Sanders faces the most pressure in the preseason game against Buffalo; Deshaun Watson is reported as the likely Week 1 starter, but Sanders could shift the decision in his favor with an efficient and consistent performance, which would demonstrate to the coaching staff whether he is ready to start over Watson.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
Sanders scored a 62% on his preseason test against Chicago—below the 70% passing threshold—and failed to shorten the gap in the QB competition with Deshaun Watson. The source identifies slow processing and hesitant operation as key concerns: Sanders wasn't processing quickly enough, was slow to get in and out of the huddle, and went through progressions at a slower pace than Watson. While Sanders had one nice throw to Luke Floriea and took shots downfield, the interception (an overthrow) and overall performance were not impressive. As a second-year player in a new system, Sanders is facing an uphill climb and now must chase Watson heading into the Buffalo game, where time may run out on the youngster.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Sanders gets the starting nod at quarterback for the Browns in preseason Week 2 against Buffalo; this is a critical opportunity late in the QB battle with Watson to make a final impression on head coach Todd Monken before the starting role is decided.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Shedeur Sanders is competing in an active QB battle with Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Todd Monken is still evaluating both quarterbacks and does not anticipate starting either in the preseason Week 2 game against Buffalo, maintaining his evaluation plan despite the joint practice with the Bills providing a first look at the offense against another opponent.NegativeProjectionAug 21, 2026
Shedeur Sanders had some nice moments at the Browns-Bills joint practice but was outperformed by Deshaun Watson. When things got chaotic in the pocket, Sanders struggled compared to Watson's composure and decision-making. Lance Lysowski noted Sanders is not as good as Watson right now.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
QB Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start the preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday, August 23, 2026. During the joint practice, Sanders led a two-minute drill drive that advanced to 11 yards from the end zone, including a 4th-and-1 completion to TE Harold Fannin to keep the drive alive. The drive ultimately came up short when his pass to WR Denzel Boston in the corner of the end zone was broken up. There is a noted stigma among opposing defenses regarding Sanders, with a Bills defender overheard making a comment about Sanders' checkdown tendencies, though Sanders did complete a pass to WR Malachi Corley over the middle during the practice.NegativeProjectionAug 20, 2026
Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders is competing against Deshaun Watson in an uninspiring Browns quarterback battle. Sanders is getting significant opportunities in preseason work, including the Aug. 20 joint practice against Buffalo and the Aug. 22 preseason game, as the team evaluates the ongoing competition.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Sanders is set to get the starting nod in the Browns' second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, with the game taking on added meaning in the ongoing quarterback competition. Sanders stated he is treating the competition like another day at work, saying "every day of my life is important" and approaching it without anxiety or pressure, viewing it as "just another day of going to work."PositiveProjectionAug 19, 2026
QB Shedeur Sanders got off to a nice start in one-minute drills with a throw to WR Denzel Boston; led the first-team offense in a two-minute drill scenario where the offense was down 2 points and needed to reach field goal range, though a procedural penalty and spike with six seconds remaining resulted in a 10-second runoff that ended the drill.NegativeProjectionAug 18, 2026
Sanders is in the running for the starting QB job; his naysayers state he needs more development and only started in college because his dad was the head coach, with teams that never won a conference title and only played in one bowl game where they were blown out. His followers believe he is the next superstar QB in the league, a cross between Michael Vick, Tom Brady, and Johnny Unitas. He will need a great showing in the final two preseason games while being inserted into Cleveland's first-team offense against the opponent's first-team defense to prove he can win the starting job and play at an elite level.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Sanders needs a fantastic week in the second preseason game to win the starting quarterback job or at least extend the competition with Deshaun Watson; Coach Todd Monken is continuing the battle between the two quarterbacks through Week 2 of the preseason.NegativeProjectionAug 17, 2026
Sanders' interception may have slipped, but it still stands out as a negative in the competition; he also had two throws batted down right over the middle. He looked exactly as expected from last year—tools to be a capable starting quarterback but lacking consistency on finer things around the edges.NegativeRoleAug 17, 2026
Starting QB in preseason game plan; will play the first half against Buffalo in the quarterback rotation, with Deshaun Watson taking the third quarter and Dillon Gabriel the fourth quarter.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Shedeur Sanders is the primary reason the Browns' QB competition remains unresolved and complex following the preseason opener against the Bears; his postgame comments revealed significant progress and competitive standing, suggesting he is a legitimate contender for the starting role rather than a developmental backup.NegativeRoleAug 16, 2026
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler noted that Sanders "has made it interesting throughout" the Browns QB competition; Fowler's phrasing suggests Sanders has kept the race competitive despite Watson appearing to hold the lead, and Sanders is scheduled to start Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, with a final decision expected after that contest.NegativeProjectionAug 16, 2026
Sanders threw an ugly interception on his third and final drive in the preseason opener, underperforming relative to Watson in the Browns' QB competition despite both quarterbacks turning the ball over in the 34-10 loss.NegativeProjectionAug 15, 2026
Backup QB Shedeur Sanders showed mixed preseason performance against mostly backups. He started the second half well with a couple of good throws including one where he drifted in the pocket through pressure, and had nice ball placement to Gage Larvadain on the sideline in a Cover-2 hole. However, everything felt slow overall including time in the huddle, and he threw an interception on an overthrow by about five yards, though the receiver (Malachi Corley) may have run the wrong depth. The source notes Deshaun Watson left the door wide-open for Sanders to run through next week.NegativeProjectionAug 15, 2026
Sanders completed 6-of-11 for 79 yards with 1 interception and 2 rushes for 3 yards. The source characterizes his performance as consistent with last year's pattern: "a couple of nice downfield throws, but he still just seems to have too many erroneous plays for a starting quarterback." Sanders is scheduled to start next game against Buffalo on August 22.NegativeProjectionAug 15, 2026
Sanders completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with 1 INT and 2 rushes for 3 yards. Qb Deshaun Watson noted Sanders 'was like last year: a couple of nice downfield throws, but he still just seems to have too many erroneous plays for a starting quarterback.' He had a botched center-QB exchange, a tipped pass, and threw an interception to Beanie Bishop Jr.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Sanders enters in the third quarter this week against Chicago in the QB competition, with the scenario flipped next week against Buffalo where he will start and Watson will enter later. Both quarterbacks are getting equal practice reps with first- and second-team offenses, reducing chemistry concerns.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders will follow Watson and finish out the preseason game; his performance is part of head coach Todd Monken's evaluation of the quarterback room for the regular season opener against Jacksonville.NegativeProjectionAug 15, 2026
If Sanders loses the starting QB competition to Watson, the Browns could explore trading him. The source notes it's not certain but cannot be ruled out; most likely a trade would involve Sanders for a defender on the bubble (CB or DE) from another team with depth. Sanders could build trade value with a strong preseason performance, but if he doesn't win the starting job and shows only flashes, Cleveland might trade him to prepare for the 2027 NFL draft rather than keep him as a backup.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
In his second year with the Browns, Sanders is competing for the starting QB job against veteran Deshaun Watson but is running into adversity in the competition. Inconsistencies or lack of progress in crucial areas have shifted the quarterback situation; Watson is starting Week 1 of the preseason against Chicago. The source notes Sanders is viewed as a 'developmental quarterback' with limitations from his Colorado offense background, struggling in key aspects like presnap reads and progressions.NegativeUsageAug 15, 2026
Shedeur Sanders, the Browns' quarterback, will see preseason action in the opener against Chicago. His last game action was against the Cincinnati Bengals. The source indicates he is among the healthy starters Coach Todd Monken plans to play in the preseason opener, though regulars won't play long.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Shedeur Sanders confirmed as backup quarterback to play beginning in the third quarter of the Browns' first preseason game against the Chicago Bears; Head Coach Todd Monken indicated both quarterbacks will receive approximately a half of playing time and two-minute drill opportunities to evaluate quarterback performance.NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Royer projects Sanders will not be on the 53-man roster if Deshaun Watson wins the starting quarterback job; Sanders' roster fate is directly tied to the QB competition outcome, with Watson's contract guaranteeing his presence either way.