Rookie Shedeur Sanders shines at Browns camp (July 28) with Kenny Pickett injured. See how his perfect practice ignites a QB battle with veteran Joe Flacco.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The sound of pads popping returned to Berea on Monday, and one player's performance rang out louder than any hit. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, stepping up in the absence of an injured Kenny Pickett, didn't just look good in the Browns' first fully padded practice—he looked flawless. The performance has thrown gasoline on the team's quarterback competition, turning what was a quiet camp into a must-see drama.
9-for-9, two touchdowns, zero interceptions. That was Shedeur Sanders' stat line in team drills, a perfect day that has everyone in Cleveland talking.
While veteran Joe Flacco handled the majority of first-team snaps, it was the rookie who stole the show. Sanders displayed uncanny poise, going a perfect 9-for-9 in team drills. He capped his impressive day with two beautiful touchdown passes, a deep strike to fellow rookie Gage Larvadain and another to tight end Sal Cannella. In a session where no other quarterback found the end zone, Sanders' perfect outing was a massive statement and a clear sign that he's ready to capitalize on every opportunity he gets.
Sanders' opportunity arose directly from Kenny Pickett's misfortune. The presumptive QB2 suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for an undetermined amount of time. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski remained tight-lipped about a recovery timeline, leaving the depth chart in flux. Pickett's absence not only gives Sanders a chance to shine but also opens the door for fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel to earn more meaningful reps. What was once seen as a clear hierarchy behind Flacco is now a fluid and intense competition.
Adding another layer of intrigue, General Manager Andrew Berry addressed the media and left the door wide open to keeping all four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Citing the importance of depth and competition, Berry's comments suggest the team is willing to be unconventional to protect its most important position. With Pickett's health now a question mark and Sanders' stock soaring, the idea of rostering Flacco, Pickett, Sanders, and Gabriel is no longer a far-fetched theory but a legitimate possibility.
No matter who is under center, they'll need reliable targets. On that front, the Browns received good news as wide receiver Cedric Tillman returned to practice after a minor injury scare. Coaches praised his development and underscored his importance to the offense. Meanwhile, veteran tight end David Njoku spoke about his readiness to shoulder a larger load this season. 'The Chief' acknowledged the need to be a go-to target and a security blanket for the quarterbacks, embracing his leadership role within Kevin Stefanski's offense.
One day of padded practice doesn't decide a starting job, but it can certainly change the conversation. Shedeur Sanders has officially entered the chat. All eyes will now turn to the upcoming practices and, most importantly, the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on August 8. What once looked like a tune-up game now feels like a high-stakes audition that could define the Browns' 2025 season before it even begins.
