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Shedeur Sanders Dazzles In NFL Debut With Cleveland Browns: Live Updates

Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to make his NFL preseason debut on Friday in the Cleveland Browns' Friday evening matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Stay here for live updates on Sanders' massive preseason opportunity.
Jack Carlough|
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12)j drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12)j drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

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Colorado Buffaloes

About eight months after closing his historic two-year career with the Colorado Buffaloes, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to make his NFL preseason debut with the Cleveland Browns on Friday evening against the Carolina Panthers.

With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel both dealing with hamstring injuries and veteran Joe Flacco out as well, coach Kevin Stefanski has given Sanders the starting nod. The former Colorado star is expected to see the majority of Cleveland's offensive snaps against the Browns, with recent free agent signee Tyler "Snoop" Huntley also available.

Shedeur Sanders NFL Preseason Debut Cleveland Browns Live Updates Carolina Panthers Starting Quarterback Tyler Huntley News
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) with the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

This article will be updated throughout Shedeur Sanders' first NFL preseason start:

Shedeur Sanders' Final Preseason Debut Stats

Thrown into the fire, Shedeur Sanders emerged victorious with 138 passing yards (14-for-23), two touchdowns and 19 rushing yards. Cleveland held a 21-7 lead when Tyler Huntley relieved Sanders late in the third quarter.

Cleveland Browns Score Third Touchdown

Following an interception to regain possession, Shedeur Sanders and the Browns traveled 43 yards on six plays en route to scoring their third touchdown of the evening. The rookie Sanders completed all three of his passes in the drive, including a 25-yard throw to tight end Brenden Bates.

Proud Deion Sanders

Shedeur Sanders' father, Colorado coach Deion Sanders, let his excitement be known following his son's second touchdown pass. The younger Sanders threw for 103 yards and rushed for 19 in the first half of his NFL preseason debut.

LeBron James Reacts To Shedeur Sanders' Impressive Start

Following Shedeur Sanders' second touchdown pass, NBA great LeBron James shared some uplifting words on X.

Shedeur Shedeur And Kaden Davis Connect For Second Touchdown

Wide receiver Kaden Davis has proven to be a reliable target for Shedeur Sanders. Late in the first half, the two connected for their second touchdown of the game, a 12-yard reception to put the Browns up 14-7.

Shedeur Sanders Throws Big Strike On Third Down

One of Sanders' best throws of the day came on a third-and-long when he connected with Gage Larvadain for a first down. Sanders stayed strong in the pocket and took a big hit after releasing the ball.

Shedeur Sanders Throws First NFL Touchdown Pass To Kaden Davis

After the Browns recovered a muffed punt deep in Carolina territory, Shedeur Sanders capitalized on the opportunity with a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kaden Davis.

Through his first four drives in the NFL, Sanders has completed 6-of-11 passes for 40 yards and one touchdown.

10-Yard Run For A First Down

Shedeur Sanders' First Drive Ends In Three-And-Out

Sanders' first offensive drive was short-lived, partially due to some shaky play from his receivers. Diontae Johnson dropped a slant pass and Kaden Davis ran a route just short of the first-down marker.

Shedeur Sanders Checks In With Jimmy Horn Jr.

After spending their final two college seasons together in Boulder, Sanders and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. are now opponents in their first NFL preseason game. Horn was selected by the Panthers in the sixth round of April's draft.

Shedeur Sanders Arrives In Style

Shedeur Sanders arrived at Bank of America Stadium sporting a Colorado Buffaloes backpack and his signature "Legendary" chain.

Deion Sanders Excited For Shedeur's First NFL Preseason Start

Shedeur Sanders NFL Preseason Debut Cleveland Browns Live Updates Carolina Panthers Starting Quarterback Tyler Huntley News
Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Colorado coach Deion Sanders opened up on his youngest son's opportunity to lead the Browns into their first preseason game.

“It’s going to be strange for both of us," Deion Sanders said at CU's Fall Sports Media Day. "I was in the hospital the last time I missed three games. He’s so prepared right now. A lot of people are approaching it like a preseason game; he’s approaching it like a game. He’s thankful and appreciative for the opportunity. I can’t wait to see him play. It’s gonna be a problem out there tonight, dawg, I promise you that.”

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MORE: Joe Flacco Reacts To Shedeur Sanders Starting Cleveland Browns' Preseason Opener

Shedeur Sanders' Colorado Career

Shedeur Sanders NFL Preseason Debut Cleveland Browns Live Updates Carolina Panthers Starting Quarterback Tyler Huntley News
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) prepares to pass the ball in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders spent his final two college seasons at Colorado, throwing for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year was then selected in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft.

How To Watch Shedeur Sanders' First NFL Preseason Start

The NFL Network will televise Shedeur Sanders' first preseason start on Friday against the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. MT (7 p.m. ET) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"I know I have the utmost standards for myself," Sanders said earlier this week, per the Browns. "I know all I can do is go out there and do what I got to do every day and make minimal mistakes. I know it's a long ways to go with everything and I know I lack experience on this realm and on this level, but one thing I can hang my hat on is in high-pressure situations, you know who I am."

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Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough is lead reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI. Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack began covering Colorado athletics in 2018 and was the head sports editor of the CU Independent during his college career. More recently, he spent over three years as the managing editor of the USA Today Sports Network's Colorado Buffaloes Wire, where he covered Colorado's hiring of head football coach Deion Sanders. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report. In 2022, the Colorado Press Association awarded Jack second place in its annual Class 5 Best Sports Column Writing category.

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