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Concerning Shedeur Sanders Development Emerges Before Browns’ Week 2 Game vs. Ravens

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 9:18 AM ET

It’s been an interesting journey for Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft after once being projected as a first-round talent on many boards.

Despite the slide, Sanders impressed during preseason and training camp, earning a roster spot behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

However, despite the Browns’ insistence that Sanders isn’t on the roster just for the notoriety he brings, concerning reports are emerging out of Cleveland about his lack of involvement ahead of the teams Week 2 clash with the Baltimore Ravens.

According to ESPN Cleveland, Sanders isn’t even running the scout team in practice. Instead, practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe has been taking those reps, leaving Sanders mostly watching from the sidelines with little to no opportunity to prove himself.

“I’m hearing Shedeur isn’t even running scout team—he’s literally just watching everyone,” ESPN Cleveland's Tony Rizzo said. “Bailey Zappe is running scout team. I don’t know if that’s true, but that’s what I’m hearing. Why is he even here if that’s what you think about him? Because his jersey is selling? The Haslams don’t need jersey money. Today is Stefanski’s day to cop out… somebody better ask Tommy Rees if Shedeur Sanders is running scout team, because I heard he’s not.”

"I'm hearing Shedeur isn't even running scout team, he's literally watching everyone... why is he on the team, why is he here?," - @TheRealTRizzo on what he's hearing about Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/Mtx6bs0rZL
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 11, 2025

The Browns entered the preseason with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Tyler Huntley on the roster. They ultimately traded Pickett to the Raiders, waived Huntley, and decided to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster while signing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad as a potential fourth option.

It’s worth noting that it’s uncommon for NFL teams to give third-string quarterbacks significant reps during the season, as starters typically take the bulk of practice snaps to prepare for the upcoming opponent. The backup may see a few reps as the next man up, but third-stringers are often left with limited opportunities.

Still, the fact that Sanders may not even be running the scout team raises the question of whether he’ll ever get a legitimate chance to play for the Browns. At least early on, this season doesn’t appear promising for his prospects.

"Cleveland believes in Joe Flacco’s experience and Dillon Gabriel’s ability to back him up," Dianna Russini of The Athletic said. "Andrew Berry still thinks there is a place for Shedeur Sanders on this roster. But his chances of seeing regular-season action in 2025 are unlikely."

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

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