Browns Face Criticism Over Shedeur Sanders’ Playing Time

CLEVELAND, Ohio — As the Cleveland Browns prepare for their upcoming game, controversy surrounds rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his chances of playing this season.

Selected 144th in the 2024 NFL Draft, Sanders has been a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts. Following Joe Flacco‘s exit, many hoped Sanders would take the starting role. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski chose Dillon Gabriel as QB1, which has sparked mixed reactions.

Former New England Patriots linebacker Asante Samuel highlighted the situation after the Browns promoted quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad. Sanders has been struggling with multiple injuries this season, including an arm issue and recently, a back problem. Samuel expressed frustration with the team’s handling of Sanders, stating, “You can’t make this sh*t up, man… They are doing everything in their power to stop Shedeur from getting on their field.”

Samuel questioned the severity of Sanders’ injuries, asking, “A tight back is stopping a young rookie athlete from getting on the football field? Just think about that.” He suggested that if Sanders sought proper treatment, Stefanski could use it as a justification for keeping him off the field.

The Browns’ offense has struggled under Gabriel’s leadership over the past four games, which has led to growing calls for Sanders’ insertion into the lineup. Samuel did not hold back his critique: “Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel is looking like cow manure on the football field… It looks like Kevin Stefanski doesn’t even want to make it possible that he has to put Shedeur in the game at any moment.”

As of now, Stefanski has confirmed that Gabriel will start against the New York Jets (1-7) following the team’s bye week on November 9 at MetLife Stadium.