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Shedeur Sanders' standing as the Cleveland Browns' No. 2 quarterback appears increasingly precarious after Dillon Gabriel took repetitions with the second-team offense during practice this week. Sanders had been serving as the backup to starter Deshaun Watson, but Gabriel's expanded role has raised doubts about Sanders' future in Cleveland once the injured rookie is activated.
The Browns have compiled a 4-2 record under head coach Todd Monken, and Watson's steady play has given the coaching staff little incentive to alter the starting lineup. According to ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo, Gabriel participated in second-team drills despite remaining on injured reserve with a back injury, which prevents him from playing against the Tennessee Titans.
Rizzo reported: "Dillon Gabriel was taking second-team reps in practice this week. He can't play in this game because he's not activated. However, we're coming up on this. We have to win Sunday first, but this is a big thing."
Gabriel's increased involvement could signal that Cleveland is grooming him to assume the backup role once he is cleared to return. Sanders, who remains listed second on the Browns' published depth chart, may see that position change in the near future.
The situation has also intensified speculation about Sanders' future as the NFL trade deadline nears. He recently retained Adie von Gontard of Young Money APAA Sports as his representative, though that move does not necessarily indicate he has requested a trade.
Former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest believes Sanders must concentrate on his on-field performance rather than the attention surrounding his name. Speaking on the All the Smoke podcast, McGinest said: "At some point, if he's doing what he needs to do on the football field, he'll get an opportunity." McGinest also emphasized that coaches evaluate aspects of quarterback play that fans cannot assess from watching games alone, such as command of the offense and preparation during practice.
For now, Watson remains the Browns' starter after guiding Cleveland to four wins in six games. His late drive that set up the winning field goal against Baltimore further solidified his hold on the job. ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi suggested the Browns could retain all four quarterbacks, including rookie Taylen Green, while evaluating their options before the deadline.
Sanders has attempted just one pass this season, leaving him with minimal opportunities to make his case on the field. With Gabriel working his way back and Watson continuing to win, the young quarterback faces an uncertain path toward meaningful playing time in Cleveland.
Key Analysis
The Browns' quarterback room is becoming increasingly crowded, and Sanders appears to be the odd man out. Gabriel's second-team reps suggest the coaching staff views him as the backup of the future, while Watson's winning record keeps him firmly entrenched as the starter. Sanders' limited playing time and the looming trade deadline create a scenario where a change of scenery could benefit all parties involved. However, as McGinest noted, Sanders' best course of action is to remain prepared and seize any opportunity that arises.
Originally reported by yardbarker.