Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns will face off with the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 of preseason action, but do not expect a lot of exotic looks or star players on the field. That doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of excitement especially with QB Shedeur Sanders starting for the Browns.
Sanders gets the nod as veteran QB Joe Flacco doesn’t need the early reps and QBs Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are nursing hamstring injuries that are not worth risking in this first game. All four seem to still have a chance to take the starting quarterback job, but Sanders has the most to prove and the longest way to go.
Cleveland has been playing it slow and safe with their fifth-round pick.
Thursday afternoon, the team announced its injury report with Pickett and Gabriel ruled out against the Panthers. The Browns also ruled out OL Zak Zinter and noted CB Greg Newsome II is still dealing with a shoulder injury:
Stefanski said that they will also hold out WR Jerry Jeudy and WR Cedric Tillman from the first preseason game against the Panthers, but the rest of the other receivers will see playing time.
CB Greg Newsome II, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Stefanski added that Newsome continues to progress back from his injury.
G Zak Zinter did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, as Stefanski said he stayed back in Cleveland. Zinter left Monday’s practice early.
Prior to kickoff Friday night, we are likely to get more details on which starters will also sit out the preseason opener.
