Shedeur Sanders rebounds at Browns camp (July 27), throwing 3 TDs after a shaky start. See how the rookie QB is fighting for his spot behind Flacco & Pickett.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when the whispers were starting to get loud, Shedeur Sanders delivered. After a rocky first few days of Browns training camp that had fans questioning his readiness, the high-profile rookie quarterback silenced some doubters on Sunday, slinging three touchdowns in team drills and showing the flash that made him a college superstar. It's a crucial bounce-back for a player under an intense microscope.
After completing just 3 of 8 passes on Day 1, Shedeur Sanders roared back on Day 4 with three touchdowns, igniting hope for his development.
Let's not sugarcoat it: the start was rough. Sanders began camp firmly as QB4, behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, and even fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. On Day 1, he completed a meager 3 of 8 passes, relegated to lower-priority drills and at times throwing to equipment staff. The lack of meaningful reps sparked heated debate across social media. But Sunday's three-score performance was a powerful response. It's a reminder that development isn't linear, and while he still has a long way to go to climb the depth chart, the talent is undeniably there. The upcoming preseason games will be his true proving ground.
While Sanders' development is a key storyline, the team is also grappling with a growing list of injuries. The offense is particularly banged up, with WRs Cedric Tillman and Michael Woods II, plus RB Jerome Ford, all questionable for the Week 1 opener against the Bengals. Ford's uncertain status prompted the signing of former Michigan Panthers RB Toa Taua to add much-needed depth. The team also signed WR Winston Wright while bidding farewell to veteran LB Jordan Hicks, who unexpectedly retired. On the PUP list, QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and DT Michael Hall Jr. (knee) are still targeting a Week 2 return, putting pressure on the rest of the roster to step up early.
With so much movement, veteran leadership is more critical than ever. Stepping into that void is fifth-year safety Grant Delpit. As one of only three returning safeties from last season, Delpit is embracing his role as the anchor of the secondary. His experience and communication will be vital in bringing a defense with new faces up to speed. For a team aiming to improve on its 2024 performance, Delpit's steadying presence on the back end is a massive asset.
The early days of camp have been a whirlwind of rookie growing pains, veteran retirements, and injury concerns. But Sanders' rebound provides a jolt of excitement. The next few weeks will be telling, as we watch the QB competition unfold and see how the team manages its depth heading into a crucial Week 1 showdown with Cincinnati. The pieces are in motion, and the preseason can't get here soon enough.
