Cleveland, August 23, 2025 (AP)

In Saturday’s preseason finale at FirstEnergy Stadium, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns was controversially benched for the two-minute drill. He was healthy but did not play. The Browns finished with a 19–17 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sanders was “100 percent healthy.” Still, he chose to put in backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley for the game’s last moments. Stefanski called it “a coach’s call.” He added that the plan was to go with Snoop in that situation. Sanders, selected in the fifth round, expressed surprise after the game: “I thought I was in, then he told me I wasn’t.”

Earlier in the evening, Sanders had a tough time under pressure. He hit just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards. He also faced five sacks on nine dropbacks. He couldn’t get the offense past midfield, losing nine yards in 17 plays. In contrast, Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel had a better showing during their turns.

After the heated benching, Deion Sanders Jr., Sanders’ older brother, shared a Bible verse on social media: “From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me” (Psalms 129:2). This ignited more discussion among fans about the young quarterback’s role and future in Cleveland.

With final roster cuts looming on Tuesday, speculation grows over whether the Browns will keep four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. General manager Andrew Berry indicated the club “doesn’t see it as a problem” and views it “more as an opportunity.”

Sanders and the Browns are now focused on next weekend’s opener. Questions about the rookie’s status are still unanswered.

Sources: - SI.com: After the Browns game, Deion Jr. shares an ‘enemies’ Bible verse, Aug. 23, 2025. - NFL.com: Browns’ preseason finale shows mixed results for QBs, Aug. 23, 2025.