Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders Sends Strong Message Amid Joe Flacco’s Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has been far from impressive to start the 2025 season. In three starts, he's completed 77-of-126 passes for 631 yards, two touchdowns, four interceptions and a 65.9 passer rating.

Of course, sitting behind him are two young options eager to earn an opportunity, in the form of rookies Dillon Gabriel (third-round pick) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth-round pick).

The biggest name between those two is undoubtedly Sanders, who many believed was going to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft before sliding to No. 144.

After Flacco's zero-touchdown and one-interception performance in Week 3, many believe it's time for the Browns to make a change.

Shedeur Sanders Claims He's Ready

While talking to reporters on Thursday, Sanders made it clear that if head coach Kevin Stefanski were to call on him, he'd be ready to go.

"If things happen, if things pan out where I play, then I'll be out there and I'll be ready to play, Sanders said. "I'm ready to play right now."

“I’m ready to play right now,” - Shedeur Sanders on his current mindset.

FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/Vu13S06rPn https://t.co/bOl5raNMOf pic.twitter.com/TVjAdhL8rP
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 25, 2025

However, if a quarterback switch were coming, Gabriel would likely get the first shot, as he's currently listed as the second-string option on the Browns' depth chart.

Even before taking on the Packers in Week 3, Sanders was designated as the team's emergency quarterback, while Flacco started and Gabriel served as the backup.

As of now, the only in-game action the former Colorado quarterback has seen came during the preseason. He appeared in two games, completing 17-of-29 passes for 152 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

There's no doubt he still has lots of confidence, as he also told reporters, "I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I'm capable of doing better than that."

The Browns are sticking with Flacco, though, with Stefanski already naming him the starter for their Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions.

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

More must-reads: