Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) will be the team's No. 2 QB on Sunday against the New York Jets in Week 10, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders missed the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots due to back tightness, but he's ready to back up fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel once again coming out of the team's bye week. With the 23-year-old signal-caller back to full health, Bailey Zappe will revert to the QB3 role. Sanders has slowly risen up Cleveland's QB depth chart this year following the trades of Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. The Browns want to get an extended look at Gabriel as the starter under center, but it doesn't mean that Sanders won't make his NFL debut for the team later this year. Still, he should only be rostered right now in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Nov 7, 2025 1:29 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) was upgraded to a full practice participant on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday due to a back injury, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Back tightness forced Sanders to be inactive for the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, which led to Bailey Zappe serving as the backup to rookie Dillon Gabriel. The 23-year-old Sanders is obviously feeling much better after having last week's bye to heal up, so it looks like he'll be back this weekend as the QB2 behind Gabriel against the New York Jets. Sanders, whose draft-day fall to the fifth round was the story of this year's NFL draft, has been praised by the coaching staff for the work that he's put in. However, Gabriel has gotten the first crack at starting duties in 2025 after the team traded away Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. Sanders could get his shot later this year, but right now, he's only stash-worthy in fantasy leagues in dynasty/keeper formats.
Nov 6, 2025 5:44 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) will return to practice on Wednesday from the back injury that sidelined him in Cleveland's most recent game against the New England Patriots. It appears Sanders is on track to be active for the Browns' Week 10 matchup against the New York Jets. If he's healthy enough to play in Week 10, Sanders would likely be the backup to fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. For now, Sanders is still waiting on an opportunity to make his NFL debut. Across six games (four starts), Gabriel has completed 59.9% of his pass attempts for 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite the modest production, there's been no indication out of Cleveland that the team is currently considering replacing Gabriel with Sanders any time soon.
Nov 5, 2025 11:59 AM EST
Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) is still dealing with the back tightness that made him inactive for the team's Week 8 loss to the Patriots. The Browns had a Week 9 bye, but as they begin preparation for Sunday's matchup with the Jets, Sanders has not returned to practice, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. While the team won't need to file an official practice report until Wednesday, Stefanski did note that the situation was improving. Coming out of the bye with a 2-6 record, Stefanski has handed over play-calling duties to OC Tommy Rees, but as of now, that's the only change coming out of Cleveland. Dillon Gabriel remains the team's starting quarterback.
Nov 3, 2025 2:40 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 8 contest against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable after his back tightened up following practice on Friday. Sanders tested his injury pregame, and it was ultimately determined that the rookie wouldn't be able to suit up. Former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe will be active against his old team, serving as Dillon Gabriel's backup.
Oct 26, 2025 11:32 AM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (back) is a late addition to the injury report due to a back injury and is officially listed as questionable for his team's Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots. The Browns announced that quarterback Bailey Zappe was elevated from the practice squad for Week 8, and Zappe appears likely to serve as the team's backup to Dillon Gabriel if Sanders is unable to play against New England. Sanders has yet to make his NFL debut and has served as Cleveland's QB2 since the team traded away former starter Joe Flacco in early October. In three starts since taking over for Flacco, Gabriel has thrown for 527 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders may get his opportunity at some point this season, but it appears unlikely to be in Week 8.
Oct 25, 2025 2:13 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to be on the outside looking in after owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed that the team wants to see more reps from Dillon Gabriel in the near future. Haslam did comment on Sanders, saying, "Shedeur's making progress in practice, so we're going to continue to work with both of those guys." Gabriel has delivered modest production through three starts, completing 59.8 percent of his passes for 546 yards and three touchdowns. There have been some calls to bench Gabriel for Sanders, but the fact that the former has zero turnovers and has played against some stingy defenses (Steelers and Vikings) bodes well for his chance to remain the starter for at least a couple more weeks. That leaves Sanders in the backup role. At the very least, though, it was encouraging to see Cleveland's owner comment on the rookie quarterback and his progression. He's an intriguing dynasty stash.
Oct 25, 2025 9:47 AM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders will serve as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in the Week 6 divisional clash on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders began the year buried on Cleveland's QB depth chart, but he has slowly risen up the ranks after the Browns traded both Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. The 23-year-old showed well in training camp and the preseason and has been praised by the coaching staff for the work that he's put in, but they are going to continue to develop him at their own pace in what is looking like another rebuilding year. Gabriel will probably have a long leash under center as he heads into just his second NFL start this weekend against Pittsburgh. However, Sanders' odds of seeing action in 2025 later this year have risen dramatically after the trade of Flacco this week. He is still only deserving of being rostered in fantasy in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Oct 10, 2025 1:34 PM EST
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
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