Shedeur Sanders reportedly receiving unexpected news after trailing in QB battle at Browns training camp

The quarterback battle in Cleveland is heating up as the first preseason challenges draw closer for NFL teams. Shedeur Sanders, who returned to training camp fully recovered from a minor injury, could have the edge over his teammates heading into the Browns’ preseason debut.

Kevin Stefanski finds himself at a crossroads heading into the next phase for his team — not only due to the various injuries that have impacted the roster, but also because of the number and variety of quarterbacks brought in for this season.

Looking ahead to next weekend’s matchup, where the team will travel to Carolina to face the Panthers on Friday, Sanders appears to be the leading candidate to start the game under center.

“Browns QB Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Friday night’s preseason opener on the road vs. the #Panthers with Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel both nursing hamstring injuries, source tells clevelanddotcom,” Mary Kay Cabot reported via @MaryKayCabot.

Shedeur Sanders, rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns

Following the injuries to Pickett and Gabriel, the head coach is eager to see the first live reps from the former Buffaloes quarterback. However, he also has veteran Joe Flacco as a reliable alternative.

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Former Lamar Jackson backup joins Browns QB room behind Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel

Injuries a growing concern for Stefanski

Despite adding a notable number of quarterbacks to the roster for the upcoming season, a common theme in recent weeks inside the Browns’ facilities has unfortunately been injuries.

Kenny Pickett was one of the first to be affected, after suffering a hamstring injury a few days ago — the same issue that recently sidelined Dillon Gabriel. Sanders also dealt with some minor discomfort, but has since recovered and is now available for Stefanski.

Deshaun Watson, who remains on the roster, also suffered a serious injury last season, which will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future. His availability moving forward remains highly uncertain.