Shedeur Sanders Awaits Opportunity: Browns Evaluate QB Role After Flacco’s Departure

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Shedeur Sanders Sees a “Ray of Hope” in His Future with the Browns

Amidst the uncertainty about who will be the backup quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders has expressed optimism about his situation. The young quarterback, who has been in the fourth quarterback position at training camp, sees a “light at the end of the tunnel”.

I’m in a great mental state overall. You tend to get a little more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure. Whatever my role is here, I’m grateful. I’m happy to do that.

Shedeur Sanders
Coach Kevin Stefanski has not yet decided whether Sanders or Bailey Zappe will be rookie Dillon Gabriel’s backup for the next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, following Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals. This situation has left Gabriel and Sanders as the only quarterbacks on the active roster. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer and college football coach Deion Sanders, has been the inactive emergency quarterback for the first five games of the season. Although he had few opportunities in the summer, he managed to make the Browns’ 53-man roster. During the first month of the season, Sanders has shared the practices with Gabriel and Zappe.

We will make sure to do everything possible to get Dillon ready for the game. Every day, even when Joe was the starter, I prepared myself the right way and was ready to go in at any moment. I have a lot of confidence in myself. I know that when I came in, I was ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, I’m fine with that.

Shedeur Sanders
Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Sanders’ preparation.

We are looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he has done it. I see the growth and familiarity with the offense and what we ask of those guys. I think the level of preparation needed week after week when you are putting together a new game plan, that’s a learning curve for all rookies. So I think he has gotten more used to that, he has caught up, he is doing a good job in his preparation and understanding what the game plan has. And when he has had the opportunity to operate it, he has done a good job.

Tommy Rees
Sanders faced criticism last week when he simulated answers to questions about the Browns’ quarterback change. The player responded to critical comments from analyst Rex Ryan. Sanders said he wanted to be aware of how his comments and personality could be interpreted.

I guess not everyone likes to be playful all the time. So it’s about understanding how to be in every moment and keep my personality a little thinner, I guess. Because not everyone understands it all the time and you may not have full time to be able to explain things.

Shedeur Sanders
Deion Sanders commented that his son “is still smiling” while waiting for his opportunity.
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