Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski shared an update on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ recovery. He revealed that the signal-caller is set to participate in Wednesday’s practice in a limited capacity after sitting out Week 8 with a back issue.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, has yet to take a regular-season snap and remains the backup of fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
“We need to see how he responds,” Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday. “Obviously, he’s pushing very hard in rehab, but we need to see how he does over the next couple of days.”
#Browns Kevin Stefanski on Shedeur Sanders’ status:
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With Sanders sidelined against the New England Patriots, Bailey Zappe was elevated from the practice squad to serve as Gabriel’s backup. Cleveland has only two quarterbacks on its active roster following the trade that sent veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals in October.
Dillon Gabriel’s uneven performance creates speculation for Shedeur Sanders
ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi reported on Wednesday that Kevin Stefanski wants to ensure Shedeur Sanders’ back can withstand game preparation before making any decisions. If the Browns deem him unready, Bailey Zappe could again be promoted from the practice squad.
Dillon Gabriel’s uneven rookie campaign continues to fuel speculation about when Sanders might see live action. He has completed 59.9% of his passes for 702 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions through six appearances. His 26.8 QBR ranks near the bottom among starting quarterbacks this season.
Mel Kiper Jr., who projected Sanders as a top pick, has been vocal about his belief that Cleveland has mishandled young quarterbacks in recent years. The NFL analyst cited the instability that followed Baker Mayfield’s departure.
“To me, organizations ruin quarterbacks,” Kiper said on Friday, via Sports Illustrated. “You had Baker (Mayfield). Dillon Gabriel was Stefanski’s guy. I don’t care what the league says. I had Shedeur, the No. 1 QB on my board last year. What happened? Nothing happened. They don’t want him.”
Local radio host Jonathan Peterlin echoed the sentiment. He suggested that Sanders faces a higher bar due to his father’s Hall of Fame legacy and preseason hype.