Sanders Rises, Browns Lose Emerson to Achilles Injury

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback battle has shifted as rookie Shedeur Sanders, once considered unlikely to make the roster, has impressed with first-team reps and is now rapidly moving up the depth chart. Team owner Jimmy Haslam clarified that the decision to draft Sanders was made solely by GM Andrew Berry, distancing himself from the pick. On defense, the Browns lost starting cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. for the season to a torn Achilles, ending any trade discussions involving Greg Newsome II. Newsome is now expected to start as a boundary corner alongside Denzel Ward, making his role critical. These developments highlight the team's volatility as they head into the 2025 season. Sanders' continued progress and the impact of Emerson's injury on the secondary are now central storylines.