Head coach Kevin Stefanski answered several questions before the start of the joint practice between the Carolina Panthers and the visiting Cleveland Browns.
During this time, he announced that multiple injured Browns players, along with several starters, will not play in this Friday’s preseason game. There will be a mix of second and third-team Browns players participating instead.
Among the starters sitting out, Stefanski emphasized that both Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman will not be active for Friday’s game against the Panthers. Neither veteran is dealing with a reported injury. Instead, the decision is a precautionary move to protect the Browns’ limited depth at wide receiver. Jeudy and Tillman remain on track to be fully healthy and active for Week 1 of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
With the starters resting, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will work with the second team offense in his first NFL start. He will be joined by fellow draft classmates Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Dylan Sampson, who are both expected to start Friday night. Since the Panthers’ starters are expected to play at least one or two series, this game will serve as a true test for members of the Browns’ 2025 draft class.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns starters will not play in preseason opener vs. Panthers
Reporting by Owen O’Connor, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
