Shedeur Sanders witnessed a historic slide in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback entered this year’s NFL Draft as a consensus top-three pick but had to wait until the third day to hear his name called. The son of the two-time Super Bowl Champion, Deion Sanders, was finally selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 overall in the fifth round.
As the Browns gear up for their 2025 NFL season opener, Sanders’ debut is a huge point of discussion. Will head coach Kevin Stefanski give the youngster a chance to play some snaps on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals? Here’s all you need to know.
Will Shedeur Sanders play vs. Bengals on Sunday?
Shedeur Sanders suited up for the Browns in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He missed the game against the Eagles due to health issues, but saw the field in the final game of the preseason against the Los Angeles Rams. The 23-year-old completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards and no TDs.
The Browns have placed Sanders on QB3 behind Joe Flacco and rookie Dillion Gabriel. According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, Sanders is unlikely to get significant game time this season.
“Don’t plan on seeing the fifth-round pick on the field this season unless things get really weird,” Russini said.
Cleveland believes in Joe Flacco’s experience and Dillon Gabriel’s ability to back him up.
Andrew Berry still thinks there is a place for Shedeur Sanders on this roster, a source says.
But his chances of seeing regular-season action in 2025 are unlikely: https://t.co/wDACEiM7St pic.twitter.com/9lCbaPNvjP
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 6, 2025
Stefanski opened up about choosing Flacco as the starting QB ahead of Cleveland’s first game of the season.
“Joe’s done a nice job,” Stefanski said. “I would go back to how we structured the offseason, how we structured training camp and named him the starter. He’s gotten all of the work since then with those ones to sharpen up his game and get comfortable with the guys around him.”
Many experts believe that Shedeur Sanders will get his opportunity a few games later. But the franchise apparently has utmost belief in Flacco taking the QB mantle and Gabriel backing him up.
When and where to watch the Browns vs. Bengals Week 1 game?
The Browns will host the Bengals at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, September 7 at Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland.
Fans can catch the live action on FOX, with Kevin Kugler on play-by-play, Daryl Johnston as analyst, and Allison Williams as the sideline reporter. Local radio coverage for Browns fans is available on ESPN 850, 92.3 The Fan, and 98.5 WNCX.
When you remember Bengals football is back tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/oDDI8Czo5a
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 7, 2025
Cincinnati’s radio coverage is available on the Bengals Radio Network, with additional streaming options like FuboTV, NFL+, and DirecTV Stream for viewers outside local markets.
Fans can also stream the matchup using 7mate, 7+, ESPN PacRim, Disney+, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Peacock and Fubo TV. Chiefs and Seahawks fans with paid subscriptions can tune in to their team’s radio broadcasts on SiriusXM.
Where to watch NFL Week 1 Browns vs. Bengals Week 1 game in India?
Indian fans can catch the 2025 NFL season live on DAZN.
