Overview
- Shedeur Sanders was inactive in Week 8 with back tightness, and the Browns elevated Bailey Zappe from the practice squad as the precautionary backup.
- In the 32–13 defeat at New England, Dillon Gabriel went 21-of-35 for 156 yards with two touchdowns, two interceptions and an intentional-grounding safety, as the offense struggled despite Myles Garrett’s franchise-record five sacks.
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Gabriel will remain the starter after the upcoming bye.
- Owner Jimmy Haslam praised Sanders’ work and emphasized continued evaluation of both rookies, while Cleveland.com reported the team has no plans to trade Sanders.
- Cleveland.com also reported the Browns are likely to target a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft regardless of how Gabriel or Sanders perform this season.