“I have a plan that’s in pencil,” warned Kevin Stefanski just days ago. Although the caution applied to the entire Cleveland Browns roster, the words struck a chord for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose position is growing increasingly precarious as the deadline to make the final 53-man roster approaches.
The Browns’ quarterback room is one of the most unpredictable this offseason. Veteran Joe Flacco and fifth-year player Kenny Pickett lead the race for the QB1 spot. Rookie Dillon Gabriel has quietly climbed the ranks, while Sanders appears to be losing favor in Stefanski’s rotation.
Multiple insiders report that while Sanders impressed during OTAs and minicamps, that early momentum has cooled-leaving him in a vulnerable position. Stefanski’s recent remarks only underscore how competitive the road ahead remains.
S
hedeur falls behind in QB depth chart
Training camp is well underway in Berea, Ohio. Although Stefanski hasn’t officially confirmed the pecking order, ESPN Browns beat writer Daniel Oyefusi revealed a working depth chart based on the quarterbacks’ early performances:
“Kenny Pickett handled all first-team offense reps in 11-on-11 drills, followed by Dillon Gabriel with the second team and Shedeur Sanders with the third team. No 11-on-11 reps for Flacco.”
Despite Flacco’s absence from scrimmage reps, it’s unlikely the Browns front office will part with the veteran quarterback they recently signed to a $4.3 million deal.
Stefanski, meanwhile, made it clear the evaluations are ongoing:
“We have to take in information every single day… and adjust from there.”
But if current trends hold, Sanders may be on the outside looking in.
Could Sanders miss the roster entirely?
Reporters like Sehaj Kour of Essentially Sports interpret Stefanski’s stance as an ominous signal: Sanders might be tracking toward a QB3-or even QB4-designation. And in the worst-case scenario, he might not make the team at all.
Training with the third string doesn’t guarantee exclusion, but every missed rep narrows Sanders’ window. Teams must finalize their 53-man rosters by August 26, and only then will the fate of Shedeur Sanders be sealed.
Read the full article here
