Will Browns cut Shedeur Sanders? Why rookie QB's struggles in final preseason game likely won't jeopardize roster spot

Colin Capece

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Will Browns cut Shedeur Sanders? Why rookie QB's struggles in final preseason game likely won't jeopardize roster spot image

Shedeur Sanders had a dismal performance in the Browns' final preseason game, and now, his spot on Cleveland's roster could be in jeopardy.

In the most high-profile quarterback competition in the NFL this year, Sanders didn't do himself any favors against the Rams on Saturday, getting pulled from the game late after taking five sacks and completing just three passes.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski named Joe Flacco the Week 1 starter last week, and Sanders is battling for the backup job with Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett. Tyler Huntley, who relieved Sanders on Saturday and led a game-winning drive, will likely be cut, but the fifth-round pick has now given his head coach something to think about, too.

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Here's a look at Shedeur Sanders' tough day on Saturday. 

MORE: Fans react to Shedeur Sanders terrible mistake in Browns home debut

Will Browns cut Shedeur Sanders?

Sanders certainly could get cut, as 53-man rosters will be finalized across the league on Sunday. However, the Browns and Stefanski have said throughout the preseason that the team is planning to keep four quarterbacks. General manager Andrew Berry reiterated that on Saturday.

While Sanders struggled mightily against Los Angeles, he did have an impressive NFL debut in Week 1 of the preseason against the Panthers, throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in three quarters of play. He missed Cleveland's second preseason game with an oblique injury.

Sanders said after the game that he believes he deserves a spot on the Browns' 53-man roster.

MORE: Andrew Berry doubles down on Cleveland Browns keeping four quarterbacks

Shedeur Sanders stats vs. Rams

  • Comp/Att: 3/6
  • Yards: 14
  • TD: 0
  • INT: 0
  • Rating: 56.2
  • Rush attempts: 0
  • Rush yards: 0
  • Fumbles: 1

Sanders struggled to get anything going from the pocket on Saturday, and there weren't many highlights from his performance. In a surprising decision, Stefanski relieved Sanders in favor of Huntley with just over two minutes to go, depriving the rookie of the opportunity to run the offense in a two-minute situation. 

Sanders said he was preparing to go into the game for the final drive and was surprised when Stefanski told him otherwise.

Stefanski said after the game that his decision to go with Huntley was not due to an injury to Sanders. He also told the media not to read into the decision much.

Shedeur Sanders sacks

Sanders took five sacks for a loss of 41 yards in Saturday's game. His worst sack of the day resulted in a 24-yard loss, and social media was buzzing with reactions.

MORE: Shedeur Sanders stats today: Browns QB struggles mightily in Cleveland's win vs. Rams

Colin Capece

Colin Capece is an editorial intern for The Sporting News. He previously wrote The Dallas Morning News, USA Today and The Arizona Republic. Colin earned his master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and loves to talk baseball and basketball.