Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders took an unusual approach in addressing the team’s quarterback shuffle. Hours after the Browns announced that Dillon Gabriel would start in place of veteran Joe Flacco, Sanders mouthed silent responses to reporters’ questions. His pantomimed exchange was cut short by a team media relations staffer, highlighting the tension surrounding his role on the team.
Sanders Answers Criticism Silently as Browns Keep Flacco Ahead on Depth Chart
Sanders’ silent display was reportedly in response to ESPN analyst Rex Ryan’s recent critical remarks about him on “Get Up.” According to team officials, the unconventional act was Sanders’ way of answering without words amid heightened scrutiny. Despite the quarterback change, Sanders remains Cleveland’s third-string option, while Flacco shifts to backup duty ahead of Sunday’s game in London against the Minnesota Vikings.
Shedeur Sanders (NFL)When asked why Sanders wasn’t promoted to the No. 2 quarterback role, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski kept his answers brief, insisting that Flacco was the backup. He declined to expand on whether there had been discussions about elevating Sanders’ position. Stefanski emphasized that his primary focus was preparing the team for the upcoming matchup, signaling little openness to altering the depth chart.
Rookie Sanders Faces Steep Learning Curve While Embracing Developmental Third-String Role
Drafted 144th overall in April, Sanders expressed confidence in his abilities, telling ESPN Cleveland that he believed he could outperform many current NFL quarterbacks. He showed promise early in the preseason with a two-touchdown performance against the Panthers, but struggled in the finale versus the Rams, taking five sacks. Browns GM Andrew Berry compared Sanders’ transition to learning a foreign language, underscoring the steep learning curve for the rookie.
Despite his frustrations, Sanders has publicly acknowledged his current reality as a third-string quarterback. He has split scout-team reps with Gabriel and practice squad QB Bailey Zappe, while learning from veterans like Flacco and Deshaun Watson. Sanders has said he values observing and absorbing perspectives from teammates, framing his role as an opportunity to grow even as he continues to voice readiness to play.
