The Cleveland Browns have said numerous times that they are trying to develop rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders "very intentionally," according to Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said he has to do what's best for the players as well as the team. It's why Stefanski has not yet named Sanders as the No. 2, even though Cleveland traded veteran Joe Flacco to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals this week. Sanders looked good during the preseason and has been praised by the coaching staff for the work he's been putting in, and although the 23-year-old is expected to see the field at some point in 2025, the Browns aren't going to rush that moment. He could be active for the first time this year as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel this weekend against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, unless the Browns choose to elevate Bailey Zappe from the practice squad into the QB2 role.
Oct 8, 2025 12:23 PM EST
With the Cleveland Browns trading veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, it means that rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders is now the No. 2 QB for the Browns behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. Sanders will be active on game day this coming Sunday for a Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The Browns benched Flacco going into their Week 5 game in London against the Minnesota Vikings in favor of Gabriel. The Oregon product actually held his own against a veteran Vikings defense and will be looking to take a step forward in his second NFL start this weekend against Green Bay. Cleveland will use the rest of the 2025 campaign to evaluate both Gabriel and Sanders going into the future. Sanders figures to see some playing time eventually, but for now, he should only be rosterd in dynasty/keeper leagues in fantasy.
Oct 7, 2025 5:23 PM EST
According to a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has developed steadily and is likely to make an appearance "when ready." The Browns are starting a rookie quarterback Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, but gave Dillon Gabriel the first crack at playing following the benching of Joe Flacco. For now, Flacco will be the backup with Sanders set to be the third option, but Rapoport notes the team may give Sanders a chance later this season with a full week of starter's reps at practice and a gameplan crafted for him. From a fantasy perspective, it's awfully challenging to trust anything about the Browns' quarterback room, keeping Sanders as a dynasty stash for now.
Oct 5, 2025 8:07 AM EST
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reports that Shedeur Sanders will remain as the team's QB3, even in light of the Dillon Gabriel news reported by Adam Schefter on Wednesday that Gabriel will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Sanders will have to continue to wait his turn to get an opportunity to prove what he can do at the NFL level. Veteran Joe Flacco will serve as the backup quarterback in Week 5, leaving Sanders as third on the depth chart. Sanders, at this time, continues to be a dynasty stash at best. Still, his path to getting an opportunity may have just gotten closer, as it appears the Browns might be moving on from the Joe Flacco experience for the long term with the switch to Gabriel in Week 5. However, at this time, he will remain third on the quarterback depth chart.
Oct 1, 2025 9:39 AM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has yet to take the field in a regular-season game. That being said, there have been rumors that the team is considering starting rookie Dillon Gabriel ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London. If the Browns do end up making the change, it remains to be seen whether Sanders will remain the team's QB3 or if he will move up to QB2 ahead of Joe Flacco, who has struggled as Cleveland's starter this season. Either way, it would be a minor surprise if the Browns don't find a way to get Sanders on the field at some point this season, if for no other reason than to see what they have in the former Colorado Buffaloes star. Sanders should remain rostered in deep, two-quarterback dynasty formats.
Sep 30, 2025 7:15 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski offered a shoutout to quarterback Shedeur Sanders heading into Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. "[Sanders] has done a good job," Stefanski said. "I think all our guys feel like they're ready and they're working hard." These comments paint a slight picture of Sanders' potential role going forward, but they also fail to differentiate him from fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel or even current veteran starter Joe Flacco. Flacco earned himself some of the coaches' trust last week as he led the Browns to a victory over the Packers, who had been 2-0. As for Sanders, he'll continue to watch from the sideline and can be dropped in all redraft leagues.
Sep 27, 2025 9:19 AM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders said in an interview with ESPN Cleveland that he's "ready to play right now" and is "more capable" than other QBs in the league. Sanders is keeping a positive mindset on a daily basis despite being the No. 3 signal-caller on Cleveland's depth chart behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. His father, former NFL legend Deion Sanders, recently said that he thinks his son will be starting for the Browns at some point this year despite falling to the fifth round in April's draft. Flacco has not impressed at all through three weeks, but Gabriel will almost certainly get the first shot at starting duties under center in Cleveland before Sanders does if the Browns eventually bench Flacco. The 23-year-old looked good during preseason action, but it was also against second- and third-stringers on defense.
Sep 25, 2025 7:00 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders relayed via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that he is cherishing his time spent on the team's practice squad. As of now, the 23-year-old is behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow first-year signal-caller Dillon Gabriel on Cleveland's depth chart. However, Gabriel and Bailey Zappe, along with Sanders, all emulate their opposition for the Browns' defense throughout the week, and Sanders is making the best of the situation. Instead of being forelorn in his backup part, the University of Colorado alum is approaching his practice time as his "game day" and notes he's ready for "my opportunity" when it comes. Sanders may very well see the field this season, though when that may occur is anyone's guess. He's a better bet in dynasty formats for now.
Sep 21, 2025 12:16 AM EST
Former NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton said on his podcast, 4th&1 with Cam Newton, that Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders also declined to be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. It was reported last week that the rookie turned down the Baltimore Ravens, though Newton said the initial reports failed to include that Sanders informed Philly he would prefer to be drafted by another team where he had a more realistic chance to play. One of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 draft, Sanders slipped into the fifth round to Cleveland, which already had taken Oregon's Dillon Gabriel earlier in the draft. The Browns dealt Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas prior to Week 1, leaving the two rookies as the only other healthy options behind stopgap starter Joe Flacco. For fantasy purposes, Sanders' only value this year is as a stash in dynasty formats.
Sep 18, 2025 9:32 AM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders made the active roster to open the regular season. Despite that, Sanders is reportedly unlikely to see the field this season. Joe Flacco will begin the season as the starter with rookie Dillon Gabriel serving as the backup. Sanders will be on the roster, but it appears he's only going to be used as the emergency quarterback. Browns' general manager Andrew Berry believes there is a place for Sanders on the roster. It sounds like things would have to go very sideways for the Browns to bring Sanders onto the field. The 23-year-old is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but isn't likely to play right away.
Sep 6, 2025 7:23 PM EST
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks believes that Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders could make an impact in his first year in the league. Sanders had a poor showing in the team's preseason finale, but he also showed flashes that suggest he "has the talent and potential to develop into an effective NFL quarterback in a traditional pro-style system." Brooks adds that Sanders showed "impressive touch, timing and accuracy when playing with the No. 1 unit in the preseason opener." The fact that the Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Raiders shows that the Browns saw enough out of Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel to make them the direct backup plans if veteran Joe Flacco doesn't work out as the starter. Cleveland's season would have to go south quickly for Sanders to see extensive playing time, but it wouldn't be the first time that has happened to a Browns team.
Aug 29, 2025 12:19 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders will open his first NFL season as the third QB, which means he will be able to dress for regular-season games. Veteran Joe Flacco will open the year as the starter under center for Cleveland, with rookie third-rounder Dillon Gabriel serving as his direct backup after the Brown traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders this week. The 23-year-old Sanders looked good in the team's preseason opener but then missed some time in training camp with an oblique injury, which didn't help his cause in passing Gabriel on the QB depth chart this summer. The Browns reunited with Bailey Zappe this week, but he will open the year on the practice squad. With two rookie QBs as their insurance policy, expect the Browns to giv Flacco a longer leash in 2025.
Aug 28, 2025 1:31 PM EST
According to Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to make the 53-man roster. Earlier on Sunday, the Browns released Tyler Huntley, which leaves them with four quarterbacks on the roster. However, the Browns have planned to keep four quarterbacks on their roster, which means the Colorado product could be in the mix to see playing time during the regular season. Sanders flashed upside in his preseason debut when he went 14-for-23 with 138 passing yards and two scores against the Carolina Panthers. However, in his final preseason game this past weekend, he struggled, being sacked five times and completing only three passes. With Joe Flacco being named the starter, fantasy managers should expect Sanders to open the season serving as a backup option alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and veteran Kenny Pickett. He should be viewed as a low-upside stash option in deeper superflex dynasty formats.
Aug 24, 2025 7:01 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed three of his six passes for 14 yards in a 19-17 preseason win over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Sanders played five series in the second half of the game and was unable to move the ball as each of his five drives ended in a Cleveland punt. He took five sacks with the Browns only picking up one first down with Sanders under center. It was a rough audition for Sanders, who was soundly outplayed by fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in the preseason finale. The Browns could carry four quarterbacks on their final roster, but Sanders appears to be behind Gabriel as the team now turns their attention to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
Aug 24, 2025 6:59 AM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders (oblique) was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski, but the team was happy with the work he was able to get in in his return to practice. Sanders injured his oblique while practicing last week, following a strong preseason debut. Since then, the team has named veteran Joe Flacco as the starting quarterback for Week 1, but the rest of the depth chart remains to be sorted as Sanders, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel have all dealt with injuries and missed time throughout camp. The expectation is that the Browns may keep all four signal-callers on the 53-man roster, and it's not out of the question that each will see time as the starter at some point this season. Flacco could occasionally volume his way to late-round upside in superflex best-ball formats, but none of the Browns quarterbacks need to be rostered in redraft leagues. Meanwhile, Sanders offers intriguing potential and name recognition as a dynasty stash.
Aug 21, 2025 9:59 AM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders (oblique) will not practice on Tuesday. The Browns will see how Sanders is doing on Wednesday. Sanders is dealing with an oblique injury that kept him sidelined for the team's second preseason game over the weekend, but the 23-year-old is considered day-to-day and could be back on the field on Wednesday. The Browns named veteran Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starter under center on Monday, but they have not named a No. 2 yet. Sanders, Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and rookie Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) have all missed time now in camp due to injuries, making the decision more difficult. It could come down to who is able to play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Rams. Sanders looked good in the preseason opener, but as long as Pickett is healthy, he will most likely be the QB2 to open the year.
Aug 19, 2025 6:11 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns are cautiously optimistic that rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders (oblique) could return to training camp practice next week and play in the presason finale next Saturday, Aug. 23, against the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Sanders injured his oblique on Wednesday and will not play in the second preseason game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the hope is fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) can start this weekend. The Browns are officially calling Sanders day-to-day. The 23-year-old looked good in his NFL debut in the preseason opener last week, but he was never realistically in the running to win the starting QB gig for the Browns going into the regular season. Until further notice, Sanders is strictly a dynasty/keeper league stash in fantasy formats.
Aug 15, 2025 7:52 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (oblique) is not expected to play in the team's second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Sanders suffered an oblique injury on Wednesday and is considered "day-to-day." The fifth-round pick out of Colorado flashed in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of his 23 passing attempts for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Missing this week's game is not ideal for his development, and he's still likely behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel when all Cleveland quarterbacks are healthy. Fantasy managers can stash him in deep dynasty leagues, but it would be a surprise if he's a viable starting quarterback in 2025 redraft leagues.
Aug 13, 2025 3:59 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders (oblique) suffered an oblique injury in Wednesday's training camp practice and was held out the rest of the way, according to the team. It's unclear exactly how serious Sanders' oblique injury is, but with both Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel managing hamstring injuries in the last week-plus, the Browns' QB depth has thinned out considerably. The Browns were expected to start Sanders for a second straight week in this Saturday's preseason contest against the Eagles if both Pickett and Gabriel remain out, but they may have to go back to the drawing board now. If Cleveland wants to hold veteran Joe Flacco, the favorite for Week 1 starting duties out again, Tyler Huntley might be forced to play most of Saturday's contest. Sanders looked good in the preseason opener, but he still isn't a realistic starting candidate for the Browns.
Aug 13, 2025 12:04 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that the team plans to start rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders once again if neither Kenny Pickett (hamstring) or Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) is available, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday in their next preseason game. Veteran Joe Flacco is the leader in the clubhouse to start for Cleveland in Week 1, but the depth chart beyond that is up in the air as the Browns aim to sort things out during the preseason.
Aug 13, 2025 11:12 AM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
