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Shedeur Sanders was listed as the Cleveland Browns’ backup quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel after Joe Flacco was waived. 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, the Browns football decision makers appear to have no intention of supplanting 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 decision to keep Sanders on the bench was met with dismay by Cleveland-based ESPN Radio host Tony Rizzo.
CLEVELAND RADIO HOST DESPERATELY BEGGING FOR BROWNS TO START SHEDEUR SANDERS: ‘JUST PUT HIM THERE’
“What’s going on behind the scenes? How can this guy who was rated as a late first-round pick not get on the field for a team that stinks?” Rizzo said.
“They’re not even giving him reps! That’s up to the coach, man. Stefanski’s 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 a firing. 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 posed a theory about how much Sanders liked or disliked him and whether that impacted his chances in Cleveland.
“Clearly someone doesn’t like him. Or… how come you’re not ready to play? He’s been here since April. I find it hard to believe that kid isn’t ready to play,” the radio host lamented. “Why hasn’t Shedeur Sanders taken the field? I can’t for the life of me figure out what’s going on. Something is 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/Image Images)
Sanders appeared in two preseason games. He was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The rookie quarterback continues to suffer a back injury.
The Browns visit the New York Jets on Sunday.
