Overview
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed Dillon Gabriel as the starter through the bye, with expectations he opens at the New York Jets on Nov. 9.
- Shedeur Sanders was inactive last week with a back issue but said on a livestream he is staying in Cleveland for treatment to get “big ready,” stoking speculation without a team commitment.
- Cleveland is 2-6 with one of the NFL’s lowest-scoring offenses, and Gabriel’s conservative profile includes 702 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions and limited downfield success.
- Deshaun Watson’s possible practice-window evaluation lingers, with reporting noting the team’s financial incentives to keep him on PUP, while Bailey Zappe’s presence adds another obstacle to Sanders’ first start.
- With the Nov. 4 trade deadline approaching, multiple outlets link QB-needy teams such as the Jets, Raiders and Dolphins to potential interest in Sanders as media and former players press for the rookie to get a chance.