Shedeur Sanders Watches as Browns Shift Scout Team Duties

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns‘ third-string quarterback, is reportedly not participating in scout-team drills during practice.

ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo shared the news on his show Thursday, stating that Sanders is merely observing while others perform. “I’m hearing Shedeur is not even running scout team, he’s literally watching everyone,” Rizzo said. “Bailey Zappe’s running scout team. I don’t know if that’s true, that’s what I’m hearing.”

Rizzo questioned Sanders’ position on the team: “Why’s he on the team? Why is he even here? If that’s what you think of him? The Haslems (Browns owners) don’t need jersey money, do they? Then why is he on the team, if he’s not even running scout team?”

Typically, the starter and backup quarterbacks take most practice reps, relegating the third-string QB to scout-team responsibilities. In this scenario, veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel fill those roles, leaving Sanders on the sidelines.

Instead of utilizing Sanders to imitate upcoming opponents, like dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Browns opted for Zappe, a fourth-year veteran. The Browns recently faced Joe Burrow, a more traditional pocket passer, in week one.

The decision to bench Sanders highlights concerns about his current standing with the team. Despite these issues, his popularity remains high. He was the fifth-best selling jersey from March 1 to July 31, outperforming even Colorado teammate Travis Hunter and trailing only stars like Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts.