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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 early 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 going 2-6 entering Week 10, the Browns football decision-makers appear to have no plans to supplant 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 dismay by Cleveland-based ESPN radio host Tony Rizzo.
Cleveland radio host desperately pleads for browns to start Shedeur Sanders: ‘just put him out there’
“What’s going on behind the scenes? How can this kid who was listed as a late first round pick not step on a field for a team that sucks?!” ยป said Rizzo.
“They’re not even giving him reps! It’s coach’s decision, man. Stefanski is going to have to answer for this, and it could happen at the end of the year, and it could take the form of him being fired. 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 theorized about the extent to which Sanders was or was not liked and whether that impacted his opportunities in Cleveland.
“Obviously someone doesn’t like him. Or… how are you not ready to play? He’s been here since April. I can’t believe this kid isn’t ready to play,” the radio commentator lamented. “Why hasn’t Shedeur Sanders come on the field? I can’t understand 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 Wednesday’s practice, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The rookie quarterback continues to nurse a back injury.
The Browns visit the New York Jets on Sunday.
