Shedeur Sanders has completed just 38.5% of his passes against man coverage this season, which would rank lowest among qualified quarterbacks.

Shedeur Sanders has averaged a 3.33-second time to throw this season, which would rank as the longest by a qualified quarterback since at least 2016.

Hype slows in blowout loss

Sanders completed 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions in Sunday's 31-3 loss to the Bears. He added two rushes for 24 yards.

Analysis: Sanders had given the Browns' offense some signs of life in his three starts, and he was coming off the best performance in Week 14. However, that momentum came to a sudden halt in Sunday's blowout loss, as he turned the ball over three times while also taking five sacks. The lone positive was that Sanders showed some rapport with Isaiah Bond on deep balls, as the duo connected for long gains of 47 and 42 yards. Sanders will draw another tough assignment in Week 15 against the Bills.

Will start rest of season

Sanders will start at quarterback for the remainder of the season, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Sanders broke out in a big way in Week 14, throwing for 364 yards, running for 29 more and totaling four touchdowns, and he showed enough to remain under center for the Browns the rest of the way. Before most fantasy football seasons end in Week 17, Sanders will have a couple favorable matchups sandwiched around a tough one, as the Bears, Bills and Steelers line up next on Cleveland's schedule.

First breakout game of career

Sanders completed 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards with three touchdowns and one interception while adding three rushes for 29 yards and another score in the Browns' 31-29 loss to the Titans on Sunday.

Analysis: Sanders' final line emphasizes the breakout quality of the rookie's performance, which was fueled by a 60-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy, another pair of passing scores to David Njoku (one yard) and Harold Fannin (seven yards), and a seven-yard rush TD, with the latter two plays occurring in the fourth quarter. Head coach Kevin Stefanski opted to take the ball out of Sanders' hands during an attempt at a game-tying two-point conversion after the touchdown pass to Fannin, but it was…read more

Tosses TD in Week 13 loss

Sanders completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown and added six rushing yards on his only carry in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: Both teams' passing attacks struggled to deal with the high winds in Cleveland, and Sanders also briefly left the game in the fourth quarter to get checked out for an ankle injury, but the rookie played reasonably well while he was on the field. The Browns briefly held an 8-7 lead early in the second quarter when Sanders found Harold Fannin for a 34-yard touchdown that was then followed up by a Quinshon Judkins two-point conversion, but the Niners dominated the rest of the way. Per Zac Jackson…read more

Could start rest of season

The Browns are open to using Sanders as their starting quarterback for the rest of the 2025 season, depending on how he fares during his ensuing starts, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Sanders made his first NFL start in the Browns' Week 12 win over the Raiders, completing11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He drew the start for that game after Dillon Gabriel was placed in concussion protocol following Cleveland's Week 11 loss to Baltimore. Despite Gabriel clearing the protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers, Sanders will retain the starting job, and the former could be in line to hang on to the job for the balance of the season.

Officially named Week 13 starter

Coach Kevin Stefanski named Sanders as the Browns' starting quarterback for next Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Analysis: Even though Dillon Gabriel cleared concussion protocol Monday, Sanders will get the nod against San Francisco after he helped guide the Browns to a 24-10 win over the Raiders on Sunday. Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes (55 percent) for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Las Vegas, showing some deep-ball touch on a 52-yard shot to Isaiah Bond down to the two-yard line in the process. Sanders' matchup against the Niners will be favorable on paper, as San Francisco is dealing…read more

Likely to be named Week 13 starter

Sanders will be named the Browns' starting quarterback for Week 13 against the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Even with Dillon Gabriel clearing the concussion protocol, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to name Sanders as the Browns' starter versus San Francisco. Sanders made his first career start in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Raiders, completing just 11 of 20 passes (55 percent) for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His 52-yard deep shot to Isaiah Bond was easily Sanders' most impressive throw of the day, as Dylan Sampson did…read more

Victorious in first NFL start

Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Raiders. He also rushed once for minus-1 yard.

Analysis: Sanders became the first Browns quarterback to win his first career start since 1995. His first NFL touchdown pass came on a 66-yard screen pass to fellow rookie Day 3 draft pick Dylan Sampson in the fourth quarter. Sanders flashed some impressive playmaking ability early, escaping the pocket before uncorking a deep ball on the run for a 52-yard pass to Isaiah Bond, which set up Quinshon Judkins' second touchdown run of the first quarter on the next play. After the game, head coach Kevin…read more

Set to start Sunday

Sanders will draw the start at quarterback for the Browns on Sunday against the Raiders, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Per Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, coach Kevin Stefanski noted Wednesday that Dillon Gabriel remains in concussion protocol, which sets the stage for Sanders -- who stepped in at QB after Gabriel exited the Browns' Week 11 loss to the Ravens -- to make his first career NFL regular-season start this weekend. When asked whether Sanders might hold on the the starting assignment beyond Week 12, Stefanski said that he won't look beyond Sunday. In any case, Sanders represents a…read more

Will take snaps with No. 1 offense

Sanders will get his first practice reps with the first-team offense Wednesday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: This news was expected in light of Dillon Gabriel landing in the NFL's concussion protocol. Sanders' only work through the spring, training camp, preseason and in-season practices had come with other backups and young players. That was even the practice when Sanders was elevated to the No. 2 quarterback. That he'll practice with the starting offense this week indicates Sanders will make his first NFL start against Las Vegas on Sunday. Gabriel would need to practice by Thursday to alter that…read more

Trending toward Week 12 start

Sanders is expected to start Sunday's game against the Raiders with Dillon Gabriel working his way through the concussion protocol, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated Monday that the team wouldn't provide an update on the quarterback situation until Wednesday, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com, but it appears Sanders is likely to draw the first start of his career unless Gabriel's recovery proceeds quicker than anticipated. During Cleveland's loss to Cincinnati in Week 11, Sanders entered in relief of an injured Gabriel to begin the second half but struggled to string anything together on offense, completing just four of…read more

Struggles in relief Sunday

Sanders completed four of 16 pass attempts for 47 yards and an interception while rushing three times for 16 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Sanders started the second half for the Browns after Dillon Gabriel was forced to exit the contest to be evaluated for a concussion. The long-awaited debut for Sanders in a regular-season game went about as poorly as you could draw it up. The polarizing rookie completed just 25 percent of his passes while watching the six-point lead he inherited evaporate in the loss. Sanders' play didn't inspire hope for his next outing, which could come as soon as next Sunday if Gabriel isn't cleared for…read more

Staying on bench Week 11

Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said following Sunday's loss to the Jets that Sanders will remain the backup quarterback for Week 11 against the Ravens, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: As evidence mounts weekly that Dillon Gabriel is in over his head during his rookie campaign, Stefanski hasn't budged on promoting Sanders. The coach was asked directly Monday about when Sanders' chance might be coming, but Stefanski refused to speculate. Sanders, who was never given a single rep with the first-team offense during the summer, is apparently not ready to replace a struggling quarterback three months into the regular season.

Practicing in full

Sanders (back) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Sanders remained limited in practice Wednesday, but he appears to have now returned to full health ahead of Sunday's road matchup against the Jets. As such, Sanders looks on track to operate as the No. 2 quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel in Week 10, while Bailey Zappe remains on hand for the No. 3 role. Sanders had been inactive for Cleveland's loss to the Patriots in Week 8 due to back tightness.

Limited Wednesday

Sanders (back) will practice in a limited fashion Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Sanders has been dealing with back tightness over the past two weeks, so Wednesday's limited session comes as no surprise. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted that the Browns will monitor the Colorado product over the next couple of days to determine whether he can operate as the team's No. 2 quarterback in the Week 10 matchup against the Jets. If Sanders is inactive, Bailey Zappe is likely to back up Dillon Gabriel.

Still dealing with back injury

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday that Sanders is still dealing with a back injury but is getting better, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback was inactive for the Browns' Week 8 loss to the Patriots due to a back issue, and it now appears he's still dealing with the injury coming out of the Week 9 bye. Sanders' practice participation throughout the week will likely offer the best indication of his availability for the Week 10 matchup against the Jets. If active, the Colorado product is expected to serve as the primary backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

Inactive Sunday

Sanders (back) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Sanders was added to the Browns' injury report with a 'questionable' designation Saturday due to back tightness, and he'll sit this one out and target a return to action after his team's Week 9 bye. In his absence Sunday, practice-squad elevation Bailey Zappe will serve as starting QB Dillon Gabriel's top backup.

Dealing with back tightness

Sanders is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots due to back tightness.

Analysis: Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer relays that Sanders' back tightened up following the Browns' Week 8 prep, which will prompt the elevation of Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster. Whether Sanders suits up for Sunday's game in New England will depend on how he feels following pregame warmups, so his official status for Week 8 may not be officially known until the Browns announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. ET…read more

Goes unused in Week 6 loss

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said after Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Steelers that he never considered benching starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel for Sanders at any point during the contest, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The Browns sputtered offensively for much of the day, but the Browns' struggles didn't fall solely on Gabriel, who was sacked six times and absorbed another 16 hits. Injuries along the offensive line also limited the rushing attack, and Cleveland's pass catchers dropped multiple passes. The organization will still likely want to see what it has in Sanders before entering the offseason, but Gabriel appears set for a long look in the starting role before Stefanski considers a change at the…read more

Named backup for Week 6

Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that Sanders will back up Dillon Gabriel against the Steelers on Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Sanders will take on the top backup role after the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals on Tuesday. Cleveland will go with a pair of rookies as options under center on their game-day roster while Bailey Zappe remains on the practice squad. Sanders has yet to throw a regular-season pass in the NFL but could get an opportunity if Gabriel struggles or gets hurt.

Could move to second on depth chart

Sanders could be in line to serve as the direct backup to starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel beginning with Sunday's game in Pittsburgh after the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals on Tuesday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: After starting the summer with four quarterbacks, the rebuilding Browns are down to a pair of rookies in Gabriel and Sanders on the active roster after shipping off Kenny Pickett and Flacco in trades. Sanders has been inactive as the Browns' emergency No. 3 quarterback through the first five weeks, but unless the team elects to promote Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to serve as Gabriel's top understudy, Sanders should be in line for the top backup role in Week 6. Though the Browns are…read more

Still expected to play in 2025

Sanders (coach's decision), who is inactive as the Browns' emergency third quarterback for Sunday's game against the Vikings in London, is expected to play at some point during his rookie season once the coaching staff deems him ready, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Though Cleveland has elected to bench Joe Flacco after he led the team to a 1-3 start through the first four weeks of the season, Flacco will suit up as the No. 2 quarterback ahead of Sanders while the Browns turn to rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel to make his first NFL start. Gabriel had been serving as Flacco's top backup in each of the previous four contests, and the 24-year-old has already made a strong impression on the coaching staff in practices and in two spot appearances late in…read more

Remains third on depth chart

Sanders will remain the Browns' No. 3 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Vikings in London, while Dillon Gabriel moves into the starting role and Joe Flacco serves as his top backup, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Though Flacco will head to the bench after going 1-3 as a starter and averaging just 5.1 yards per attempt and posting a 2:6 TD:INT through the Browns' first four games, he's still on track to remain active Sunday as Gabriel's top understudy. With that in mind, Sanders is poised to be a healthy inactive for the fifth straight game as the team's emergency No. 3 quarterback, though he could eventually usurp Flacco for the No. 2 role or potentially supplant Gabriel as the starter later on in the…read more

Serving as emergency QB again

Sanders (coach's decision) is inactive and designated as Cleveland's emergency third quarterback for Sunday's Week 2 game against Baltimore.

Analysis: This is the second straight week to open Sanders' NFL career that he's inactive as the Browns' emergency QB. He'll be eligible to enter Sunday's contest only if both signal-callers ahead of him -- Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel -- are forced out of the game due to injury, illness or suspension.

Designated as emergency QB

Sanders (coach's decision) is inactive but designated as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: This move comes as little surprise, as coach Kevin Stefanski made clear that Sanders would begin the season third on the quarterback depth chart. Dillon Gabriel will serve as Joe Flacco's backup in Week 1.

Beginning season as No. 3 QB

Coach Kevin Stefanski noted Thursday that Sanders is in line to be the Browns' emergency third QB on game days, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While the Browns have added Bailey Zappe to their practice squad, the plan remains for Sanders to be the team's No. 3 QB out of the gate this season. With Kenny Pickett now with the Raiders, Dillon Gabriel will open up the campaign as Joe Flacco's top backup.

Beginning season as No. 3 option

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Dillon Gabriel will work as the top backup to Joe Flacco to begin the regular season, leaving Sanders in the No. 3 role, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: It's still conceivable that both rookie signal-callers get chances under center at some point during what could be a rebuilding campaign for Cleveland. The team traded Kenny Pickett (hamstring) to the Raiders on Monday and cut Tyler Huntley on Sunday, leaving Sanders and Gabriel without further competition as depth options.

Poor showing in preseason finale

Sanders completed three of six passes for 14 yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.

Analysis: The 2025 fifth-round pick was the third quarterback into the game for the Browns behind Week 1 starter Joe Flacco and 2025 third-round selection Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders did little to shake up the depth chart, as he took five sacks on five drives while playing most of the second half. Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is still in the mix as well for slotting behind Flacco, but Gabriel appears to be firmly ahead of Sanders if there's room for only one rookie QB on the roster.

On track to play Saturday

Sanders is slated to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Rams, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Per Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, starter Joe Flacco should see around 25-to-30 snaps and then will be followed by Dillon Gabriel and Sanders, in that order. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is not in line to play this weekend. Now that Flacco has been named the Browns' Week 1 starter, the focus turns to the depth chart pecking order behind him as next week's roster cut downs approach.

Not practicing Tuesday

Sanders (oblique) isn't practicing but could return for Wednesday's session, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Sanders remains day-to-day after missing Cleveland's second preseason game due to an oblique injury, and his status remains uncertain for Saturday's exhibition finale against the Rams. In the wake of Joe Flacco being named the Browns' starter for Week 1, Stefanski said he's still not ready to name a No. 2 quarterback and that "these roles are not given out, they're earned," per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. As such, Saturday's preseason game looks like a crucial opportunity for both Sanders and…read more

Hopeful to return to practice

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he's hopeful that quarterbacks Sanders (oblique) and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) can increase their practice participation this week, but both players still are day-to-day, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Sanders has been sidelined since sustaining an oblique injury during practice Wednesday; meanwhile, Pickett has been limited to 7-on-7 sessions while working his way back from a hamstring issue suffered in late July. Stefanski also said Sunday that he plans to name the team's QB1 this week, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. Veteran Joe Flacco looks like he has the inside track to start Week 1, considering his lengthy experience and the distribution of first-team snaps in practice during…read more

Could play next week

The Browns are cautiously optimistic that Sanders (oblique) could return to practice next week and play in the team's preseason finale, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Per Pelissero, Sanders, who the Browns are calling day-to-day, won't play Saturday against the Eagles, but the 2025 fifth-rounder could be available Aug. 23 against the Rams. For now, veteran QB Joe Flacco is the front-runner to draw the Week 1 start for Cleveland, but Sanders, Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) will all have a chance to compete for depth-chart slotting once they are healthy.

Day-to-day, unlikely for Saturday

Sanders (oblique) is considered day-to-day due to an oblique strain suffered during Wednesday's practice and is not expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Sanders won't practice Thursday, and while it appears he won't be available Saturday versus Philadelphia, he could still have a chance to gain clearance in time for Cleveland's preseason finale against the Rams on Saturday, Aug. 23. With the 2025 fifth-rounder and veteran Kenny Pickett (hamstring) both trending in the wrong direction due to injury, and veteran Joe Flacco expected to rest, rookie third-round quarterback Dillon Gabriel could get a chance to start and handle expanded reps during…read more

Injures oblique Wednesday

Sanders suffered an oblique injury while throwing during Wednesday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com, Sanders' oblique issue sidelined him for the remainder of the session. As a result, the 2025 fifth-rounder's status for Saturday's preseason contest against the Eagles is now in question.

Tosses two TDs in preseason debut

Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 rushing yards on four carries during Friday's 30-10 preseason win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Getting the start with Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel both dealing with hamstring injuries and Joe Flacco held out along with the Browns' other starters, Sanders connected with Kaden Davis for two second-quarter scores before eventually turning things over to Tyler Huntley for the final few drives. It was an intriguing performance from Sanders in his first NFL game action of any kind, but the 2025 fifth-round pick still has an uphill battle ahead of him over the rest of training camp and the…read more

Should play around 50 snaps

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday that Sanders will play about 50 snaps in Friday's preseason opener against Carolina, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: With Joe Flacco being rested while Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel nurse hamstring injuries, the Browns are left with only Sanders and recent signing Tyler Huntley to play QB on Friday. Stefanski said the rookie will play most of the game, with Huntley apparently scheduled to only come in toward the end. It's a nice opportunity for Sanders, although he'll presumably be surrounded by fellow backups, and possibly facing Carolina's defensive starters on the first drive or two.

Starting preseason opener

Sanders will start Friday's preseason opener against Carolina, as Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel both have hamstring injuries, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: With multiple injuries in the QB room, the Browns signed Tyler Huntley on Monday to give them a third healthy body in camp. They apparently don't want to play Joe Flacco in the preseason opener, although coach Kevin Stefanski said some starters will play, and will instead let Sanders and Huntley handle reps under center. Huntley spent time with the Browns last year, so he could be more comfortable with the playbook than Sanders is. Prior to the Pickett and Gabriel injuries, there hadn't been…read more

Set to practice fully

Sanders (arm) is slated to practice fully Monday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Sanders was held out of team drills Saturday because of arm soreness, but the rookie signal-caller's ability to work fully Monday indicates that he's quickly moved past the issue. For now, Sanders slots in behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Dillon Gabriel in the Browns' ongoing QB competition.

Dealing with arm soreness

Sanders did not participate in team drills during Saturday's training camp practice due to arm soreness, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Sanders and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) both sidelined during team drills, it was Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel who split those reps Saturday. Sanders was spotted in sprinting drills with teammates at the end of Saturday's practice, and with the Browns off Sunday, the rookie fourth-rounder could be back on the field for Monday's session.

Faces top defensive unit Wednesday

While working with the second-team offense, Sanders went up against the Browns' top defensive squad during Wednesday's practice, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: With Kenny Pickett sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Sanders have been handling the team's QB snaps in practice. For now, Flacco continues to see most of the first-team reps in Pickett's absence, while Gabriel has occasionally sprinkled in with the top unit. Sanders has yet to work with the starting offense thus far.

No first-team reps

Sanders is the only one of the four Browns' healthy quarterbacks that hasn't received any first-team reps during training camp so far, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: This is similar to mandatory minicamp for Sanders, who was fourth in the pecking order in June as well. The Browns will evaluate their QB rotation plans each week, and it's possible that Kenny Pickett's hamstring injury this weekend could present a better opportunity for Sanders.