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The Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns played only one minute and 49 seconds before their preseason matchup was stopped because of lightning on Saturday afternoon. That means Shedeur Sanders’ anticipated first preseason start will have to wait a little longer. Officials halted the game at Huntington Bank Field with 13:11 remaining in the first quarter and the score tied 0-0. Players were sent back to their locker rooms while weather protocols went into effect. Buffalo received the opening kickoff, so Sanders has not yet taken the field with Cleveland’s offense when the delay began. No immediate estimate has been provided for when the game would resume. Sanders Denied Early Opportunity To Impress Sanders entered Saturday with plenty to prove as he continued competing for a place in Cleveland’s quarterback rotation. The preseason matchup represented an important opportunity for Sanders to operate the Browns’ offense in a game setting. Cleveland and Buffalo held a joint practice earlier in the week, but an exhibition start would give the young quarterback a chance to handle play-calling, pressure and unscripted situations. Instead, Sanders has to remain patient after the weather interrupted Buffalo’s opening possession. A lengthy delay can create an additional challenge for quarterbacks. Sanders completed his pregame warmup routine and prepared to take the field, only to return to the locker room without receiving a snap. MORE: Brian Schottenheimer identifies two major Cowboys concerns Browns, Bills Await Clearance Both teams must wait until stadium and league officials determine conditions are safe enough for play to resume. The contest kicked off shortly after 1 p.m. ET and is being televised nationally on NFL Network. Buffalo entered with a 1-0 preseason record, while Cleveland was seeking its first exhibition victory. Several established starters were not expected to participate after the teams completed significant work during their joint practice. That increased the importance of Saturday’s game for Sanders and other players fighting for roles or roster spots. The opportunity is not gone, but it has been put on hold. Once the weather clears, Sanders finally should get his chance to lead Cleveland’s offense. Until then, one of the most anticipated quarterback appearances of the NFL preseason remains stuck in the locker room. More NFL news: - Vikings lose Jamal Adams to brutal season-ending injury - Seahawks 2nd-round S Bud Clark gets bad news on starting job for Week 1 - Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1? 49ers TE explains why he has 'chance' to play vs. Rams