Report: Shedeur expected to start preseason opener

Despite being listed as QB4 on the Cleveland Browns' initial depth chart, Shedeur Sanders is expected to start the club's preseason opener Friday, sources told ESPN.

Sanders has yet to take a snap with Cleveland's first-team offense in training camp, but the fifth-round pick will get an extended look from the jump against the Carolina Panthers. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are both battling hamstring injuries, while 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco will likely join most veterans in skipping the majority of the preseason.

The Browns added a fifth quarterback to the mix earlier this week, signing former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley to provide the team with another healthy passer for the preseason.

While it's unlikely Sanders will unseat Flacco as the starter, he could make significant strides toward passing Pickett and Gabriel on the depth chart with a strong showing Friday.