Shedeur Sanders Benched in Final Minutes: Browns Coach Explains Bold Preseason Call

It was a preseason finale that stirred more questions than answers, especially for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. In a surprising twist late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski benched Sanders in favor of Tyler Huntley for the final drive—one that would ultimately seal the win for Cleveland. What followed was a brief sideline exchange that caught cameras and sparked fan speculation.

Sanders, who played the entire second half, was visibly caught off guard. “I didn’t know I was out,” he said post-game. The quarterback, seen pedaling on a stationary bike preparing for a potential two-minute drive, was told moments before it that he wouldn’t be going in. “That’s a situation every quarterback dreams for,” he added, expressing disappointment but accepting the coach’s call.

Why Did Kevin Stefanski Bench Shedeur Sanders in the Final Drive?

Head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear that the decision to bring in Tyler Huntley wasn’t based on injury or a disciplinary move. Rather, it was strategic. “We didn’t play great as an offense in the second half,” Stefanski stated. “Just felt like we wanted to give Snoop [Huntley] the last drive.”

Despite Sanders’ competitiveness, Stefanski emphasized the move was planned and not personal. “He’s a competitive kid, but the plan was to go with Snoop there. I wouldn’t make any more of it than that.”

The moment, though brief, highlighted the intense competition within the Browns’ quarterback room, especially with final roster cuts looming.

How Shedeur Sanders Performed in the Browns’ Preseason Finale

Shedeur Sanders’ performance on Saturday didn’t live up to the buzz he created earlier this preseason. He finished 3-of-6 for just 14 yards over five possessions, with the offense managing no points, four three-and-outs, and enduring five sacks. It was a stark contrast to his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, where he impressed fans and analysts alike.

Unfortunately, his momentum was cut short by an oblique strain sustained in practice before the Browns’ second preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. That limited his reps and likely influenced Stefanski’s late-game decision-making.

Still, Sanders has shown enough flashes of promise to keep his name in the conversation as Cleveland approaches the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline.

Tyler Huntley’s Final Drive Adds Pressure to QB Decisions

With veteran Joe Flacco locked in as the Week 1 starter and Kenny Pickett sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Browns’ quarterback battle remains one of the team’s most intriguing storylines. Huntley, affectionately called “Snoop” by coaches, made the most of his brief opportunity, executing a poised game-winning drive.

His late-game composure may have nudged him closer to securing a backup role, but it also complicates the picture for Sanders—who must now wait for the Browns’ front office to make its final cut.

What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders and the Browns?

Tuesday marks the NFL’s deadline for trimming rosters to 53 players, and Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a competitive and uncertain position. While his physical tools and preseason potential remain evident, the depth chart and injury setbacks have limited his chances to prove he can consistently perform.

Should Sanders make the cut, it would reflect the Browns’ belief in his long-term development. If not, he could become a valuable practice squad option—or potentially land with another NFL team looking to develop young quarterback talent.

In what was supposed to be a defining preseason moment, Shedeur Sanders instead found himself watching from the sideline, a reminder that in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed—even for the most promising rookies.

For your information:

What happened between Shedeur Sanders and Kevin Stefanski?
During the Browns’ preseason finale, Shedeur Sanders was benched late in the fourth quarter. Cameras caught a brief conversation with coach Kevin Stefanski, who later explained it was a strategic move to bring in Tyler Huntley.

How did Shedeur Sanders perform in the game?
Sanders completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards. He led five offensive drives, but the team struggled, ending with no points, multiple three-and-outs, and five sacks.

Why did Kevin Stefanski choose Tyler Huntley over Sanders?
Stefanski stated that while Sanders was healthy, the coaching staff had already planned to give Huntley the final drive. It wasn’t a reactionary decision but part of the preseason strategy.

Is Shedeur Sanders going to make the Browns’ final roster?
As of now, it remains uncertain. With Joe Flacco named starter and Kenny Pickett injured, Sanders is competing for a backup role or a potential practice squad spot.

What injury did Shedeur Sanders suffer during preseason?
Sanders dealt with an oblique strain during practice before the game against the Eagles, which limited his availability in the preseason.