Cleveland Browns are set to take advantage of recent NFL rule to maximize Shedeur Sanders’ usage as a rookie
The Browns will have both of their rookies suited up to start the season at quarterback.
The Cleveland Browns have named Joe Flacco their starter for the Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran quarterback will lead the way as Cleveland begins the season, with two rookies behind him on the depth chart.
At some point, the Browns will likely want to evaluate Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in live action. Gabriel enters the season as the No. 2 quarterback and primary backup to Flacco. The former Oregon Duck was impressive in his two preseason appearances.
Sanders, meanwhile, is the Browns’ No. 3 quarterback but will still be dressed and active on game days thanks to a recent NFL rule. That’s important not only for his confidence in suiting up with the rest of the team instead of being inactive, but it also keeps the door open for him to play in an emergency.
In May 2023, the league passed a bylaw allowing teams to dress a 49th player as the emergency third quarterback. That player can only enter if the two quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart are unavailable.
Sanders made a strong preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, throwing two touchdowns on 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards. He was held out of the second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where Gabriel shined by completing 13-of-18 passes for 143 yards.
At this point, Gabriel has a stronger grasp of the offense, something he’s shown throughout training camp and preseason. Head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke Thursday about the importance of being prepared as a backup.
“There’s a lot that goes into being a backup quarterback in this league, and you have to be ready at a moment’s notice when you don’t get reps,” Stefanski said. “You have to understand the game plan as well, if not better than the starter. You have to support the starter. You have to be tied at the hip with the starter in so many of these meetings and preparations, and then you have to stay ready.”
It’s one of those things we talk about at every single position: you have to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. That’s important for all positions, and especially in the quarterback room.”
The Browns open their season at home on Sept. 7 against the Bengals, when Sanders will suit up for his first regular-season NFL game.
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