Overview
- Sanders apologized to reporters on Aug. 12 for a prior terse exchange in which he shut down a question about his competition with Deshaun Watson.
- He explained that repeated questions left him drained and that he was trying to avoid feeding narratives that could create separation in the locker room.
- The apology follows an Aug. 1 exchange when Sanders said, “Next question. I answered this question 1,000 times,” which drew criticism and renewed scrutiny of his media approach.
- Sanders and his media manager also addressed a blister on his throwing hand, saying the issue stemmed from offseason work and is resolved ahead of preseason play.
- Coaches have not named a Week 1 starter and will use padded practices and preseason snaps to decide between Sanders and the veteran Deshaun Watson, a process that will shape both quarterbacks’ chances to win the job.