Shedeur Sanders is in danger of slipping down the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart as the team continues to sort out its quarterback situation behind newly minted starter Joe Flacco.
The Browns made it official this week, announcing the 40-year-old Flacco as their Week 1 starter. While that decision ended one debate, the competition for backup spots remains unsettled.
Sanders built momentum in his preseason debut on Aug. 8, passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. But an oblique injury has stalled his progress. He has missed multiple practices and sat out Cleveland’s second preseason game while working back to full strength.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday the team would “give him a break and see how it responds and then see how he’s feeling for tomorrow.”
Sanders is now battling with Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel for positioning on the depth chart. Pickett, limited since late July with a hamstring injury, returned to work in team drills on Tuesday.
Browns Not Concerned With Quarterback Depth Chart
The Browns quarterback situation remains a national conversation, in large part because of Sanders’ presence. However, Stefanski gave little detail on how he views the QB room moving forward.
“Not so concerned about death chart, honestly,” Stefanski said. “Really like our guys, they continue to work very hard, all of them. As you make decisions like this, you talk to the guys and you let them in on your thought process, but all of them should prepare themselves to get ready as a starter. That’s how you have to handle being a backup in this league.”
There’s a good chance the Browns keep all four on their 53-man roster. But Stefanski also noted that’s still an ongoing conversation.
“I think we’ll let it play out as we get closer to the cut down,” Stefanski said on Sunday when asked about keeping all four on the roster. “Those are all conversations that we are always having, but those are tough decisions. You know, I’d like to keep everybody, but not realistic.”
Stefanski: Joe Flacco ‘Earned’ Starting Job
Flacco became the obvious choice for the Browns in training camp. The former Super Bowl MVP was the only passer to remain healthy and the Browns value the leadership he brings to the table.
“He earned it and I understand with the injuries how that may look,” Stefanski said. “That’s really not the case here. Joe performed really well both in practices, in the joint practices, in the meeting room, you name it, in the walkthrough, just what he’s able to bring to the football team. He’s earned that role.”
The Browns will open the season against the Cincinnati Bengals at home, kicking off a grueling opening stretch that also includes the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers — all playoff teams a year ago.
“I thought (Joe’s) done exactly what we’ve asked him to do and I think we have a lot of confidence in him,” Stefanski said. “We have a ton of faith in Joe. We have confidence in Joe. I’m excited for him. His teammates know what he’s about. He’s a hard worker.”
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