Shedeur Sanders was back on the field Saturday as the Cleveland Browns hosted the Buffalo Bills for their second preseason game. The matchup began after a rain delay, with Sanders taking the start and handling Cleveland’s quarterback duties in the first half.
Sanders wasted little time making an impact. He completed his first four passes for 43 yards and capped Cleveland’s opening possession with a touchdown pass to Luke Floriea. The eight-yard scoring strike came with 2:56 remaining in the first quarter and tied the game at 7-7.
Sanders closed the afternoon throwing for 74 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
After finding the end zone, Sanders celebrated with his signature “perfect timing” gesture, a celebration he has used throughout his football career dating back to his time at Colorado.
The Browns took notice of the moment and reacted on social media: “@ShedeurSanders had to hit it 🤷”
Sanders continues to fight for the Browns’ starting quarterback job midway through the preseason.
Cleveland named Deshaun Watson and Sanders listed as co-starters on the unofficial depth chart, while Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green remain behind them. Watson started the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while Sanders went 6-of-11 for 79 yards with an interception.
Sanders’ next opportunity is expected to come in Cleveland’s final preseason game, a home game against the New England Patriots. The matchup will give him one more chance to strengthen his case before the Browns open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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As a rookie in 2025, Sanders appeared in eight games and finished with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, completing 57% of his passes. He also rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown.
Sanders has a 3-4 record as an NFL starter, including three victories to close the 2025 season.
