Following 10 days of training camp and a joint practice against the Panthers on Aug. 6, the Browns are ready to open the preseason against the Panthers on Aug. 8.
Before the joint practice, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that QB Shedeur Sanders would start the Browns' opening preseason game. Stefanski also said that some starters will not play in the game, including wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.
With five active quarterbacks now on the roster with the signing of QB Tyler Huntley, the preseason be a crucial factor in who is going to start Week 1 behind center for Cleveland.
Along with that, the coaching staff will see the preseason roster they've constructed in front of their eyes play against another team, giving them better insight on who could be one of the 53 players to make the regular season roster.
Here are three burning questions that could be answered on Friday:
How will the Browns' rookies look in their first taste of NFL action?
With their first two draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns opted to draft defensive players with both picks, selecting DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger. Along with Sanders, the Browns also drafted TE Harold Fannin Jr. and RB Dylan Sampson, as well as QB Dillon Gabriel, who will miss Friday's game.
Graham and Schwesinger have received praise for their work ethic through training camp from players like DE Myles Garrett and CB Denzel Ward, earning the opportunity to be among the first players to take reps in team drills. While Stefanski didn't specifically announce whether or not they will play, if they do, it will be a glimpse into the potential future of the Browns' defense.
Fannin and Sampson, both players who have taken offensive reps second after TE David Njoku and RB Jerome Ford, respectively, will have a heavy load if neither veteran starts against the Panthers.
With the Browns engaged in a four-quarterback competition in training camp, Sanders' play under center will be looked at closely. With the only other quarterback playing in the game being Huntley, Sanders will get plenty of playing time to showcase his skill set.
"I think we'll all be sitting there watching and be excited for football to be going in real time. And I think he's probably excited about that too," QB Joe Flacco said about Sanders starting. "I mean, your first time playing in the NFL, I remember mine. I didn't get to play until the last two minutes of the game, but it's something that he'll remember forever."
Check out the top shots from Day 11 of 2025 Browns Training Camp as players got to work with drills, workouts and team prep in Charlotte
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) and former Browns center Austin Corbett (63) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebackers Coach Jason Tarver during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Hoke during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Keenan Isaac (38) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Former Browns center Austin Corbett (63), Running back Toa Taua (35) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Assistant Defensive Line Coach Adam Morris during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Former Browns center Austin Corbett, Running back Toa Taua (35) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Ralph Holley (63) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Assistant Athletic Trainer Maikee Migallos and Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Senior Director of Player Development James Cook and Panthers outside linebacker Mapalo Mwansa (58) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Keenan Isaac (38) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) and Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cleats during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive Assistant Zach Dunn during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) and Carolina Panthers outside linebacker J.J. Weaver (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Joe Thomas during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jackson Barton (68) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) and tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chad O'Shea during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50), Long snapper Brent Matiscik (48), Carolina Panthers long snapper JJ Jansen (44) and Carolina Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (37) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (37) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Center Bucky Williams (62) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
How will the Browns split time between Sanders and Huntley?
Going into the first preseason game with just Sanders and Huntley poised to play in the game, there is the question of how much time each will see on the field.
Sanders is getting the start, but Stefanski didn't give any specifics for how long he would play, only saying that the younger guys will get the majority of the reps in the game. Stefanski also brought up the fact that Huntley joined the team on Aug. 5 and needs to acclimate to this season's playbook.
"We'll get Snoop back up to speed quickly," Stefanski said. "He's been in a couple of different offenses since we last saw him, so he's doing a great job of working at it."
With the Panthers' starters playing at least a few drives on Friday, Sanders will get thrown into the fire while Huntley has experienced starting against teams' best players. However, the veteran of the quarterback room, Flacco, has confidence in Sanders.
"I think he's come in from day one with a pretty good head on his shoulders, pretty good method about how he thinks he should do things," Flacco said. "And I think we've all been in that room together and all picked up little things from each other. So, I think he's just staying the course and, you know, and continuing to try to grab a thing here."
What is Cleveland's plan for playing against the Panthers starters?
While Stefanski used the joint practice against the Panthers to get reps for the veterans and starters, Friday won't be the same. However, for the Panthers, it will be – at least for one or two drives according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
Canales said that he will play his starters on Friday, while Stefanski said that he will rest some of them without giving any specifics outside of the wide receivers.
With players like DT Derrick Brown, QB Bryce Young and RB Chuba Hubbard playing for the Panthers, whoever Stefanski has on the field will get to try their hand against starting NFL talent in the first week of the 2025 season.
"Every team is different; every coach is different. And you're trying to, as you put your preseason plan together, you're trying to do what you think is best for your football team," Stefanski said. "Obviously, this is a first for me, having a practice versus another team in week one of the preseason. We haven't done that. So, there are different reasons we wanted to try that. We've done a variety of things this offseason and this training camp a little bit different, all in an effort to get your football team ready for week one, 17-plus season."
