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Shedeur Sanders was listed as the Cleveland Browns’ backup quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel after Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals at the beginning of October.
The former Colorado standout began his rookie NFL season as the third quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart. Gabriel threw two interceptions in a blowout loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8.
Despite losing three of their last four games and owning a 2-6 record entering Week 10, Browns football decision-makers appear to have no intention of replacing starter Gabriel in favor of Sanders.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Richard)
The choice to keep Sanders on the bench was met with consternation from Cleveland-based ESPN Radio host Tony Rizzo.
CLEVELAND RADIO HOST DESPERATELY URGES BROWNS TO START SHEDEUR SANDERS: ‘PUT HIM OUT THERE’
“What’s going on behind the scenes? How can this kid who was rated as a late first round draft pick not get on the field for a team that stinks?!” Rizzo said.
“They’re not even giving him reps! That’s the coach, man. Stefanski is going to have to answer for that, and it could come at the end of the year, and it could come in the form of firing him. What’s going on?”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws during the NFL football team’s rookie minicamp in Berea, Ohio, Friday, May 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Rizzo then floated a theory about how much Sanders was or wasn’t liked and whether that affected his chances in Cleveland.
“Obviously somebody doesn’t like him. Or… how are you not ready to play? He’s been here since April. I find it hard to believe that kid is not ready to play,” lamented the radio commentator. “Why hasn’t Shedeur Sanders come on the field? I can’t for the life of me figure out what’s going on. Something’s going on.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) leaves the field after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)
Sanders appeared in two preseason games. He was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The rookie quarterback continues to nurse a back injury.
The Browns visit the New York Jets on Sunday.
