Dillon Gabriel’s Browns debut produced instant points against the Eagles. He moved the chains on the opening possession, completing every pass for 29 yards across four attempts and guiding a 13‑play, 63‑yard drive that ended with Ahmani Marshall’s five‑yard TD run after a 16‑yard Gage Larvadain end‑around. A botched extra point left Cleveland with a 6–0 lead.

The rookie third‑rounder looked decisive, shaking off an early sack and converting three straight third downs on the drive. With injuries sidelining Shedeur Sanders and Kenny Pickett, this outing elevated the stakes in Cleveland’s four‑man quarterback competition and underscored why Gabriel is in the mix for meaningful reps this season.

Sunday’s showcase set the tone for a potentially tight QB competition, as the Browns balance Gabriel’s accuracy with Sanders’ floor and the rest of the group. The opening sequence didn’t just flash a spark—it signaled how Cleveland might deploy its rookie signal‑callers and gadget plays as the season unfolds.

The Browns are carving out a decision at receiver this summer, with six roster spots typically allotted and two up for grabs beyond the likely locks. The battle pits Gage Larvadain, a 22-year-old South Carolina speedster, against Kaden Davis, a 26-year-old Northwest Missouri State veteran whose NFL-USFL journey has sharpened his route-running and catch consistency. Cleveland is expected to keep DeAndre Carter as the fifth option, leaving Davis and Larvadain in a head-to-head contest for the final slot, slot duties, and return duties. Davis drew first-blood in the public eye with a two-TD preseason game, while Larvadain flashed in multiple practices and grabbed a TD in the opener. The competition is less about size and more about trust, positional fit, and special-teams value as Stefanski and coaches monitor who can be trusted in the passing game when needed.

Cleveland’s first-team spectacle under the Friday night lights centered on Shedeur Sanders, whose preseason debut impressed with calm command and clean mechanics as he guided the Browns to a 30-10 win over Carolina. Sanders wasn’t alone; several Browns rookies — Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, and Dylan Sampson — flashed promise, while Luke Floriea, Gage Larvadain, and Adin Huntington drew fans to their early contributions. Undrafted Kaden Davis snagged attention with a two-score night, drawing praise from teammates and opponents alike.

Beyond Cleveland, the spectacle drew in big-name observers from other sports, including a Hall of Famer who shares a famous lineage, Trae Young, Dawn Staley, and LeBron James, highlighting the rare spotlight a Browns preseason game can command. The replay-worthy performances injected immediate optimism about Cleveland’s offensive ceiling and Sanders’ long-term potential, while the Panthers provided a test case for the Browns’ young depth and pass-catching options as they head toward the regular season.

The Cleveland Browns faced a challenging moment during their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, losing two key receivers, Luke Floriea and Gage Larvadain, to injuries in the second half. Floriea, who had already made a significant impact with a 30-yard catch, suffered a hamstring injury. Despite his discomfort, he managed to play through the half and exited under his own power. Meanwhile, Larvadain, a standout in training camp, left with a lower leg injury after catching two passes and scoring a rushing touchdown. Fortunately, both injuries are not expected to sideline them for long, allowing them to continue vying for a spot on the final roster.

Shedeur Sanders is making a mark during the Cleveland Browns minicamp, showcasing a promising start as he competes for the starting quarterback position. During the opening practice, he impressed with a precision throw to rookie wide receiver Gage Larvadain, a highlight in an otherwise quiet day for the Browns' quarterback group. Sanders, who acknowledges the long road ahead, is feeling the pressure but is determined to grow and mature in his role. His ability to connect with fellow rookies and veterans may prove critical as training progresses. This season, the Browns’ quarterback competition is wide open, with the likes of Deshaun Watson, and others also vying for significant playing time.