The Cleveland Browns remain mired in quarterback uncertainty after a 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots as Dillon Gabriel has been favored despite underwhelming results, leaving Shedeur Sanders anxious about his role.
Quarterback debates have engulfed Cleveland this season, as fans and analysts weigh Gabriel‘s struggles against Sanders‘ potential.
While Gabriel holds the starting spot, the rookie continues to impress in practice, keeping pressure on the coaching staff to make a critical decision.
Sanders‘ concerns about the QB situation are compounded by injury questions. Browns insider Ashley Bastock revealed on The Afternoon Drive on The Fan podcast that Sanders and teammates often hesitate to discuss injuries publicly.
“This team, I think, is so squirrelly about injuries in general. And I think the players by nature also get squirrelly in talking about injuries,” Bastock said.
The Browns‘ handling of injuries has historically been cautious. Bastock highlighted how the team only recently disclosed DT Mike Hall Jr.‘s torn MCL and knee dislocation from last season’s final game, underscoring the organization’s reluctance to share medical updates.
“Two more for sure,” Bastock said when asked how many games Gabriel will remain as the starting quarterback before the Browns make a final decision about whether they promote Sanders.
What’s next for the Cleveland Browns‘ QB situation
Gabriel, meanwhile, has struggled in his rookie season despite being named starter over veteran Joe Flacco. The former Oklahoma Sooners QB has 85 completions on 142 attempts, 702 passing yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, yielding a passer rating of 78.4.
Despite completing practice all week, Sanders was ruled out of the Patriots game with a back injury after Friday’s session. Bailey Zappe took over as the backup, sparking speculation over whether Kevin Stefanski favors other options.
The Browns are committed to giving Gabriel additional opportunities before potentially turning to Sanders. Bastock noted the team intends for Gabriel to string together five starts before evaluating a change, ensuring fairness and preparation.
“We know they want to see him string some starts together,” Bastock added. “And that would put him at like five, right?
“If my math is correct. So that would be stringing some starts together, and you see where you go from there.”
Sanders, a former Colorado Buffaloes standout, continues rehabbing his back while observing the QB rotation, as his determination to earn the starting role remains clear, but the uncertainty has created tension within the rookie’s camp.
The Browns, sitting near the bottom of the NFC North, face mounting pressure from fans eager for stability. A consistent quarterback performance could help reverse the team’s fortunes, while indecision risks further losses and unrest in the locker room.
Ultimately, Cleveland must weigh immediate results against long-term development. Sanders‘ readiness and Gabriel‘s experience will factor into the decision, but the team must act decisively to provide clarity and maximize its season potential.
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