Overview
- Shedeur Sanders was not on the field for the Browns’ post-bye bonus practice due to back tightness after being inactive in Week 8, with Bailey Zappe elevated in his place against New England.
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated that Dillon Gabriel remains the starter, saying getting Sanders live game reps is not his current focus, though coaches noted the rookie continues to get walkthrough and learning reps.
- Cleveland shifted play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees as the offense averages 15.8 points and 263.5 yards per game and Gabriel’s yards per attempt sit at 4.9.
- During the bye, Sanders briefly flew to Colorado to surprise his father and was seen rehabbing in travel and facility videos, and he wore a shirt reading “The rejected will be respected” during his sideline appearance.
- Trade chatter around Sanders has surfaced ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline, but no deal or depth-chart change has been announced as the Browns prepare to face the Jets on Nov. 9.