Browns Coach Confirms Rookie QB Sanders Not Practicing with Starters

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is not participating in first-team practice reps. The team is focused on giving starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, also a rookie, ample time with the starters.

Stefanski emphasized the importance of practice reps for Gabriel, explaining, “With a young quarterback, with Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets a lot of reps. It’s different when you have a veteran like Joe [Flacco].” Gabriel stepped into the starting role after the Browns traded Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gabriel has had three starts since becoming the first-string quarterback. The third-round draft pick from Oregon has completed 64.9% of his passes, amassing 546 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions. The Browns stand at 1-2 since he took over the position.

Before Flacco’s departure, Gabriel received practice reps alongside first-team players. Meanwhile, Sanders, drafted in the fifth round, is mainly getting practice time in different sessions and will continue to back up Gabriel during games.

Stefanski highlighted that even though Sanders is not getting first-team reps, he is still involved in practice activities. The Browns’ approach is to minimize mistakes while Gabriel gets used to his role under center.

Cleveland will face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, Oct. 26, marking Gabriel’s fourth NFL start.