Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku needed just one word to describe polarizing backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick, is waiting his turn behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Despite his lack of game action, Njoku has liked what he’s seen from Sanders so far.
“Exceptional,” Njoku told cleveland.com, before continuing. “He’s an exceptional athlete. An exceptional quarterback.”
For what it’s worth, Njoku was equally complimentary of Gabriel.
“Dillon has great potential,” Njoku said. “He’s a rookie. He makes things happen. He wants the team’s success just like I do. He didn’t even scratch his surface yet.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Focused on Playing Role
Getty ImagesCleveland Browns backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders was promoted to the backup spot following a trade that sent veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s now next in line to get his shot but remains patient, willing to play his role and support Gabriel.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said ahead of Week 6. “So each and every day, even when Joe (Flacco) was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
Sanders also banned negativity, following a few notable moments with the media that garnered attention for the wrong reasons.
“We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that,” Sanders said. “I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with.”
Browns TE David Njoku Calls for Change
Getty ImagesBrowns tight end David Njoku will not play on Sunday against the Dolphins.
Njoku has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins with a knee injury. But he doesn’t expect to miss additional time. He was hit by Steelers safety Juan Thornhill — a former Browns player — during last week’s 23-9 loss.
“It was a brutal hit from a former Brown at that, you know what I mean,” Njoku said. “It is what it is. I’m rehabbing very well.”
Like many other veterans, Njoku has called for change, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Browns are scoring just 13.7 points per game and have failed to move the ball with any consistency.
“Obviously it’s frustrating as well and I agree (with Myles Garrett). And a change needs to happen, that’s all,” Njoku said. “We have to play better, we have to do everything better. We’re not doing it up to par right now, so a change has to happen. We have to be better.”
Njoku has been a consistent name floated in trade rumors. But he has faith that things can turn around for Cleveland.
“Heart,” said Njoku when asked what gives him hope that the Browns can rebound. “Heart of the city. Heart of ourselves. The pride to be the best that we can be.”
The Browns host the Dolphins on Sunday. Cleveland is a slight 1.5-point favorite, per ESPN BET.
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