The focus of the NFL world descended on the Cleveland Browns, facing the Carolina Panthers in their first game of the preseason. With Shedeur Sanders making his long-anticipated NFL debut to begin the year, the game was sure to attract a lot of eyeballs. His performance certainly had a ton to be happy about if you’re a Cleveland fan.
However, he wasn’t the only one who impressed on the field. During his second-touchdown drive, Sanders was facing a tough 2nd and 12 situation at the 43-yard line. Extending the play, he found wide receiver Luke Floriea for an impressive connection. But Floriea’s euphoria was short-lived.
What Happened to Cleveland Browns WR Luke Floriea?
The spectacular one-handed catch from Floriea set up the eventual touchdown pass from Sanders to Kaden Davis. However, immediately after his catch, it was clear that something was wrong with the wide receiver.
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland website reported, “#Browns Luke Floriea out of the blue tent after grabbing hammy following the big catch…Another great TD pass by Shedeur to Kaden Davis, who made a great sliding catch. Davis is prob making this team.”
But Floriea’s fortunes quickly turned. Despite the highlight-reel moment, his night ended in disappointment — and, as ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi later reported, the next chapter only deepened the heartbreak. “Browns WR Luke Floriea is heading to the locker room with the medical staff.”
Eventually, the team itself confirmed that Floriea wasn’t returning to the game and was out with a hamstring injury. An undrafted free agent, Floriea was trying to earn a spot on the Cleveland roster.
With a wide receiver core that is underwhelming outside of Jerry Jeudy, the Kent State product had shown flashes in training camp and through his first preseason game to potentially earn head coach Kevin Stefanski’s favor.
Shedeur Sanders buys time and finds Luke Floriea for the one-handed catch! 😮
CLEvsCAR on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/QzVH8AgevL— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
However, this injury might put a real damper on his trajectory, depending on its severity. During his first four years at Kent State, Floriea didn’t get a ton of playing time. But then, in 2024, he exploded for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns, while recording an even 100 receptions.
While it wasn’t enough to earn him a selection in the draft itself, a desperate Cleveland team was ready to take a swing on him as an undrafted free agent. On a team without many real pass-catching weapons on the roster, the youngster had a legitimate chance of cracking the rotation for the Browns.