The Cleveland Browns made a quarterback move ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Shedeur Sanders will draw the start but his backup will be Bailey Zappe, who the Browns elevated from the practice squad. The Browns officially announced the move on Saturday.
Zappe is set to step in for rookie Dillon Gabriel, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. Gabriel popped up on the injury report later in the week and will not be active against the Steelers.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski did not provide much context on how Gabriel suffered the shoulder injury.
“Yeah, soreness popped up,” Stefanski said.
Zappe is in his fourth NFL season out of Western Kentucky. Originally selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, Zappe has appeared in 15 career games with nine starts. Last season, he started one game for the Browns.
Browns TE Harold Fannin Expected to Play Against Steelers
The Browns also elevated tight end Sal Cannella, with multiple injuries at the position. Veteran David Njoku has been ruled out, while standout rookie tight end Harold Fannin is questionable. Fannin is expected to play despite suffering a groin injury late in the week.
“Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr., who injured his groin during practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday, is expected to be ‘a full go’ vs. the Steelers, per source,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Cannella has a limited NFL resume. But he made an impact in the United Football League during the spring, hauling in 44 passes for 474 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per catch. He was named to the All‑UFL team for a second consecutive year.
Cannella also led the UFL in receiving scores in 2024, finding the end zone six times in 10 games. Across three seasons with Arlington, Cannella compiled 139 receptions, 1,386 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Browns DE Myles Garrett Will Hunt Aaron Rodgers for Record
All eyes will be on Browns defensive end Myles Garrett during the team’s home finale. Garrett is one sack away from setting the NFL single-season record.
There was a chance that the Steelers would rest their starters for the matchup. However, the Baltimore Ravens won on Saturday, applying pressure in the race for the division crown. If the Browns win, it would set up a winner-take-all matchup in Week 18 for the AFC North between the Steelers and Ravens.
For Garrett, it means he’ll be looking to take down 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers for the record. He’s one quarterback Garrett has not been able to add to his “graveyard” yet.
“It’d be special. He’s legendary himself. And it’s a legendary record I’m out here chasing,” Garrett said. “So that’d be a great one to put a picture on the wall with.”
Garrett said the key for him will be the Browns taking away the quick throws. Rodgers is a savvy veteran and knows how to get the ball out of his hands in a hurry.
“Gotta take away those easy access throws, make him look at his second read,” Garrett said. “There’ll be opportunities if we continue to get stops during the game, and he can’t continue to lean on those quick passes when you gotta score points.”
Garrett and the Browns wrap up their schedule next week against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road.
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