The Cleveland Browns closed out their preseason against the Los Angeles Rams, but the biggest storyline wasn’t on the scoreboard.
Instead, it was about how little rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was allowed to show.
According to Newsweek, the younger Sanders only took a handful of snaps. He went three-for-six for 14 yards and had one fumble before being pulled. What surprised fans wasn’t just the light workload, but the fact that when the game came down to a potential winning drive, head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t turn back to his rookie. Instead, Tyler Huntley was sent in to run the two-minute drill.
That call raised eyebrows, and not just in Cleveland. Former NFL quarterback Derek Carr joined the conversation on social media, openly questioning the decision.
“I need to understand why we don't get to see @ShedeurSanders run this 2 minute drill?” Carr posted on X. “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’s reaction echoed what Browns fans had already been saying: the preseason is built for development, so why not give Sanders the ball with the game on the line? Huntley isn’t expected to make the final roster, while Sanders represents a long-term investment.
As things stand, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart starts with Joe Flacco, with rookie Dillon Gabriel behind him. Sanders is currently listed third, a role the former Colorado standout likely didn’t envision in August.
Still, reports suggest that Sanders handled the situation with composure, staying engaged and supportive in the locker room.
This behavior is in sharp contrast to his brother, Shilo, whom the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently waived following an altercation with another player.