The Cleveland Browns have released their first unofficial depth chart, which confirms that fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders faces a steep uphill climb to earn playing time.
Sanders is the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart. Joe Flacco is the No. 1 quarterback, followed by Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. The depth chart reflects how reps have been distributed during training camp and what units each quarterback has seen time with.
Sanders has worked exclusively with backups, although he did see some time against the starting defense. Many were upset to see Sanders at the bottom of the depth chart.
“The three QBs ahead of 12 (Sanders) are horrible. Tanking the seasons,” one fan said. “Feel bad for Cleveland and the vets. They deserve to win.”
Another added, “This is not a serious organization.”
“What is the point of drafting 2 QBS to start OLD [expletive] FLACCO,” a fan chimed in. “Smh.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized that the order in which quarterbacks take reps in practice shouldn’t be overanalyzed. While he has yet to comment on the unofficial depth chart, he’s expected to echo a similar message.
Shedeur Sanders Hoping for ‘Reps’ in Preseason Debut
The Browns have not yet revealed what the quarterback rotation will look like for their first preseason game on August 8. However, it’s likely that both Sanders and Gabriel will see significant time against the Carolina Panthers.
“I’d say we’re working through it,” Stefanski said. “We’ll hold some guys out of the game, but we’re looking forward to the game. That’s the fun part for our players to get down there and compete against the Panthers on Wednesday (in a joint practice), compete against them Friday night. But we will hold some guys out.”
For Sanders, it’ll be his first opportunity to build some momentum and make some headway on the depth chart.
“Reps, I think that’s pretty much it — just reps,” Sanders said of what his hopes are for that contest.
Browns Navigating Injuries With Quarterbacks
A few injuries have popped up in the quarterback room, affecting the reps. Pickett has missed time with a hamstring injury and remains limited. Sanders sat out team drills on Saturday after self-reporting arm soreness but returned to full practice on Monday after Sunday’s day off.
“It was just adjusting to starting and stopping. Honestly, that’s all it truly is,” Sanders said. “My arm and body wasn’t used to that, so it’s just an adjustment, like within the body.”
Now, Gabriel is the latest quarterback dealing with an issue. The third-round pick is experiencing hamstring soreness, but he was able to take part in most of Monday’s practice.
“Injuries are a part of this game. They’re frustrating from the standpoint of when you lose a guy for a good amount of time you feel, that’s tough on the players,” Stefanski said. “But the dealing with injuries, adjusting because injuries, that’s just part of the game.”
After the Panthers, the Browns will head to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. Cleveland wraps up its preseason slate with a home game against the Los Angeles Rams.
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