Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has provided an update regarding rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his recovery process. After missing Week 8 due to a back injury, Sanders is expected to participate in Wednesday”s practice, albeit in a limited capacity.
Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of this year”s NFL draft, has not yet made his regular-season debut and currently serves as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. In Sanders” absence during the game against the New England Patriots, Bailey Zappe was promoted from the practice squad to act as Gabriel”s backup.
Following the recent trade that sent veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals in October, the Browns have only two quarterbacks on their active roster. According to a report from ESPN”s Daniel Oyefusi, Coach Stefanski is cautious and wants to ensure that Sanders” back can handle the demands of game preparation before making further decisions on his readiness.
If the team assesses that Sanders is not prepared to play, it is possible that Zappe will again be called up from the practice squad. Meanwhile, Gabriel”s inconsistent performance during his rookie season has led to ongoing speculation about when Sanders might finally see action in a live game. Through six games, Gabriel has completed 59.9% of his passes for 702 yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. His QBR of 26.8 places him near the bottom among starting quarterbacks this season.
Notably, NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who had projected Sanders as a top pick, has expressed concerns over how the Browns have managed young quarterbacks in recent years, particularly following the departure of Baker Mayfield. Local radio host Jonathan Peterlin has echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Sanders faces elevated expectations due to his father”s Hall of Fame legacy and the hype surrounding him during the preseason.
For fans looking to stay updated, Cleveland Browns Nation offers the latest information on the Browns” schedule and depth chart as the team navigates the current NFL season.
