Overview
- The 2-6 Browns will not pivot during the bye, as Kevin Stefanski reiterated his focus on Dillon Gabriel heading into Week 10 against the Jets rather than elevating Shedeur Sanders.
- Shedeur Sanders, who was held out in Week 8 with a back issue and has yet to take a regular-season snap, said on a livestream he is staying in Cleveland during the bye for treatment to get “big ready.”
- Ashley Bastock of cleveland.com noted the team could evaluate opening Deshaun Watson’s practice window after the bye, and that Bailey Zappe’s presence adds another variable at quarterback.
- Cleveland’s offense is averaging 15.8 points per game as Gabriel’s four starts have produced 702 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions and 4.9 yards per attempt, drawing outside criticism and debate.
- Trade chatter around Sanders before the Nov. 4 deadline persists, with reports linking QB-needy teams such as the Jets, Raiders and Dolphins, though such moves remain speculative.