Kevin Stefanski Confirms Shedeur Sanders’ Fate After Browns Released Unofficial Depth Chart

“I want to get to where I want to go, then for [my dad] to see me.” Shedeur Sanders’ mindset was crystal clear when he talked to reporters earlier this month: Unless he reaches the top of the depth chart, there’s no amount of applause he’ll accept. Well, looks like Deion Sanders might have to wait a long time in that case. As the team heads toward the preseason Week 2, an official announcement by the Cleveland Browns left quite a few rather despirited…

…Mostly because after Sanders’ performance on Friday, fans had expected at least a slight change, if not a complete overhaul. In the team’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, amid Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel dealing with hamstring issues, and starter Joe Flacco expectedly rested, the onus fell on the 4th-string QB’s shoulders. And, boy, did he impress despite not taking a single rep with the first-team offense in training camp. In the 30-10 win, Sanders played the first half and most of the second, leading three touchdown drives with two touchdown passes, just two sacks, and no interceptions, while completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two TDs.

He also had four carries for 19 yards—a performance that even prompted four-time NBA champ LeBron James to tweet, “That young (man) looking good out there,” before sharing, “And I don’t wanna hear that ‘It’s only preseason’ bs. Cause if he was out there not going in y’all would be on his (butt) about it! So give credit and grace lames.” Clearly the fanbase has decided who they want to see. The Browns, however, have a different vision… Less than a week later, on August 11, they released the unofficial depth chart, heading into Saturday’s Game 2 vs the Philadelphia Eagles. It had Sanders as the No. 4 quarterback, after Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.

Notably, this comes hours after Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski had deflected from the importance of the pecking order, noting how the QB situation remains fluid. “By Wednesday, Thursday, I’ll have a better feel for the game and how we’re going to handle that,” the HC told the team’s official website. Health will play a factor, too.”Dillon can do some 11 on 11. We’re still mindful of his tightness in the hamstring. Kenny, not just yet, but both guys [are] progressing well,” he further said. Is Stefanski already having second thoughts after witnessing his impressive preseason debut? We’ll never know. But one thing we know for sure is:

The Browns’ current quarterback hierarchy isn’t something Sanders can vault overnight. The plan of employing the team is league-wide wisdom: Inserting a rookie into the furnace too soon can be as bad as good. Sitting him in the No. 4 position now, Cleveland seems to be giving him time for the mental prep to solidify and for his mechanics to be sharpened.

Till he does that, let’s look at…

What does the depth chart look like sans the QB room?

The Browns’ informal depth chart provided a better vision of the roster with the preseason still in progress. At wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy, Diontae Johnson, Cedric Tillman, and Jamari Thrash occupy the top of the depth chart, providing Cleveland with veteran route expertise and potential. Rookie Gage Larvadain’s quick ascent is a narrative to watch, as he’s generating buzz in camp with separation ability and special-teams worth.

Top Comment by Malik

He’s being held back

Share your take

Debate

Tight end David Njoku is still in the middle of the passing attack, supported by a room that provides numerous options at personnel. At the left guard and right guard positions, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are still anchors for a solid offensive line, respectively. The running back depth chart is still deep with Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. vying for touches.

Defensively, Myles Garrett leads a front with Maliek Collins, rookie Mason Graham, and Alex Wright. Grant Delpit and Hickman are at the top of the safety unit, with Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II manning the top two corners. The special teams are also in good hands with Corey Bojorquez manning the punter duties and Dustin Hopkins manning the kicking duties.

This Saturday’s preseason contest against the Eagles will be about more than simply what the final score is. To Stefanski and the coaches, it’s another milestone in the roster assessment process. For Sanders, next week is another platform to expand what he demonstrated against Carolina last week. Even if the depth chart holds him in fourth place right now, the tape will tell a more complicated story.

Now, whether that’ll be good or bad, we’ll know soon.