The Cleveland Browns finished up their preseason schedule on Saturday afternoon with a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Shedeur Sanders played, but did not see much action throughout the course of the game.
When all was said and done against the Rams, Sanders completed three of his six pass attempts for 14 yards. He also fumbled once.
Sanders not receiving more playing time was a bit surprising. What was even more perplexing about the situation is that he was pulled late in the game in favor of Tyler Huntley with an opportunity for a game-winning drive on the line.
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That decision was not very popular among Browns fans. Even former NFL quarterback Derek Carr took to social media to question Cleveland’s decision.
Read more: Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Issues 1-Word Statement on Making Roster
In a post on X, Carr delivered a strong message to the Browns.
“I need to understand why we don’t get to see @ShedeurSanders run this 2 minute drill?” Carr wrote. “Wouldn’t you want to see your young QB operate in this situation? Get him more reps for the future? I didn’t see the whole game so maybe he already showed enough? Help me understand this…”
Carr is 100 percent accurate. Cleveland isn’t going to keep Huntley on its roster. Why would the team not want to get Sanders more reps in a key situation?
Kevin Stefanski’s decision was extremely confusing.
Despite the questioning from Carr, the decision was made. Sanders was not given the opportunity for development or the opportunity to end the game with a strong drive that forced his name even further into the conversation about playing time.
Sanders is currently expected to be at the bottom of the Browns’ quarterback depth chart. Joe Flacco will be the starter, with Kenny Pickett as the expected primary backup. Dillon Gabriel, a fellow rookie, is expected to be placed ahead of Sanders as well.
Read more: Colorado’s Deion Sanders Makes His Point Clear to Shedeur and Shilo
Starting the season off as the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart isn’t where he wanted to be. However, he has handled the situation with maturity and has maintained a great attitude and has been a great teammate.
It will be interesting to see what the 2025 season has in store for Cleveland at the quarterback position. Not giving Sanders more reps isn’t something that will be forgotten anytime soon by the fans.
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