Shedeur Sanders appears to be taking his current situation with the Cleveland Browns in stride, even as Deshaun Watson’s recent performances have made his path to the field less immediate.
The second-year quarterback offered a glimpse into his mindset after Cleveland defeated the Carolina Panthers, posting a picture of a hot tub on Instagram with a simple message: “After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than relaxing.”
The timing was notable. While Sanders remains on the sidelines, Watson has helped the Browns put together consecutive victories and has strengthened his hold on the starting quarterback role.
Against Carolina, Watson completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores went to tight end Harold Fannin Jr., including a 14-yard touchdown with 1:48 remaining that put Cleveland ahead.
Watson then found rookie Denzel Boston on the ensuing two-point conversion.
The performance came after an even more efficient showing against Tampa Bay. Watson completed 24 of 30 attempts for 238 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Across those two victories, he’s completed 40 of 60 passes for 382 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Watson’s rise changes Sanders’ immediate outlook
Watson’s recent production has naturally limited opportunities for Sanders, who hasn’t taken a regular-season snap this season.
Cleveland entered the campaign with Watson as its starter and Sanders behind him, while rookie Taylen Green was also retained on the 53-man roster. Dillon Gabriel, meanwhile, was placed on injured reserve and remains unavailable until he’s eligible to return.
Despite the growing number of quarterback injuries around the NFL, the Browns aren’t currently planning to trade Sanders or Gabriel, according to Cleveland.com insider Mary Kay Cabot, as reported by NBC Sports.
That decision keeps Sanders in Cleveland as an important depth option behind Watson.
Sanders has previously emphasized that he’s concentrating on his own development rather than looking too far ahead.
“I just take it a day at a time. I focus on things I’ve got to get better at, focus on the things I’ve got to be more crisp at and understand the flaws that I have and keep improving that,” said Sanders.
That approach could prove particularly important now. Sanders started seven games as a rookie, finishing with seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. This season, however, his role has changed considerably.
Interestingly, Sanders was among the first Browns players to embrace Watson after the quarterback’s decisive touchdown against Carolina.
Cleveland’s next test comes against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Watson currently directing the offense and the Browns holding onto their young quarterbacks, Sanders’ job at this time is to stay ready and make the most of whatever opportunity eventually comes his way.
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