Ex-Colorado Buffaloes football star Shedeur Sanders might not be the next Cleveland Browns starter, not in Week 1 or later.
At least that's what ESPN Browns Insider Tony Grossi believes.
As much hype as the Browns are building around their QB room, Grossi is convinced that all of that is going to come crashing down as badly on Sanders.
"I tend to not think that it’s as wide open as they say. I think they portray it as wide open to keep the rookies competing as hard as they can and to believe that the harder you work, the closer you get to a better role," Grossi explained on ESPN Cleveland.
Sanders is considered the fall guy here.
There was some hope still for Sanders after some glowing reviews from his head coach post-minicamp.
Rumors had Sanders starting later in the season, based on the progress he was showing. But Grossi believes all of it is just a ruse.
"And there's a path for Flacco, there's a path for Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. But Shedeur's got the headline," Grossi continued.
Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot has also clarified that Sanders comes last in the Browns' pecking order and that he practices with the backups or with players further down the depth chart while Gabriel gets to practice with the first-team offence.
Interestingly, both head coach Kevin Stefanski and the front office have downplayed all the rumors. Instead, they have expressed sheer excitement in seeing both rookies grow.
Only time will tell which side of the situation is true.
Until then, Sanders will be neck deep in practice either way.