Overview
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Sanders is not taking first-team practice reps, with Gabriel receiving the starter workload.
- Sanders has risen to the No. 2 role after Joe Flacco was benched and traded to the Bengals, yet he remains limited to developmental periods.
- Beat writer Mary Kay Cabot and other insiders report Sanders is progressing quickly and has looked strong in drills, at times outperforming Gabriel in situational work.
- Reaction has grown across media, with ESPN Radio’s Tony Rizzo questioning Sanders’ development, Shannon Sharpe urging at least limited starter reps, and Dan Patrick criticizing the outsized focus on a backup.
- Cleveland ranks near the bottom of the NFL in total offense and passing, Gabriel has completed 59.8% for 546 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, and coaches say they aim to generate more explosive plays.