Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns Announce Quarterback Decision Amid Shedeur Sanders’ Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 2:20 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns (3-12) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) on Sunday in Week 17 at Huntington Bank Field, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Cleveland enters the divisional matchup following a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, a game in which rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while adding four rushes for 49 yards. The loss continued a difficult stretch for a Browns team using the final weeks of the season to evaluate its young quarterback.

Sanders has delivered uneven results since taking over as Cleveland’s starter in Week 12. Across six games (five starts) this season, he has completed 92 of 167 passes (55.1 percent) for 1,103 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has also contributed as a runner, totaling 14 carries for 123 yards and one rushing touchdown.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12).© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

His most productive outing came in a 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans, when Sanders threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score. In other games, efficiency has been more limited. Against the San Francisco 49ers, he completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. In a loss to the Chicago Bears, Sanders struggled, finishing with 177 passing yards and three interceptions without a touchdown.

Amid those inconsistencies, the Browns announced Saturday that they have elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster. The move provides additional depth behind Sanders after backup Dillon Gabriel was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury on Friday.

We've elevated TE Sal Cannella and QB Bailey Zappe from the practice squad
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 27, 2025

Zappe, 26, has previous NFL starting experience with the New England Patriots in 2022 and 2023 and started a game for Browns in Week 18 of the 2024 season. He has yet to take a snap this season. Zappe will likely serve as Sanders’ primary backup for Week 17 after head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that the 23-year-old will remain the Browns’ starter for the remainder of the season.

Cleveland closes the season with Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh followed by a Week 18 road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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