Sheader Sanders' place on Cleveland Browns remains questionable despite the team trading Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this week.
Sanders was expected to compete with fellow rookies Dillon Gabriel and Flacco for the starting quarterback job this season. But despite Gabriel and Sanders remaining the only two defensive backs on the Browns' active roster following Flacco's departure, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday he will “let the week play out.” [and] I'll make a decision later” on whether Sanders will become the team's second quarterback after Gabriel, who made his first pass. NFL started last week. Bailey Zappe, who was a member of the Browns practice squad, could be brought in and serve as Gabriel's backup.
“When it comes to the roster, I always have to be mindful of our players and their development,” Stefanski said. “And I want to make sure that I'm always doing what's best for our players and, of course, our team. But with young players, I always think about – last week, making the move for Dillon, you have to think long and hard about it because these are young players, they're the ones you're so invested in developing. So, I'll let the decision play out.” [and] decide later.”
Before Flacco left, Sanders was the Browns' third-string quarterback. Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, gained enormous attention when fell into the fifth round of this year's draft after many thought he would be in the first two. In two preseason games, he completed 17 of 29 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns, but the Browns showed no signs that they were going to release him.
“I wouldn't say there's anything you need to see. [from Sanders to start him]” Stefanski said. “In my role, I have to do what's best for our players, our team, and I'm very, very committed to the development of our players, the development of our young players, the development of our quarterback. So any decision I make, I just want to make sure I'm doing what's right for our players.”
Sanders has come under fire for talking about his role with the Browns in recent weeks. “If you see [quality of] Playing quarterback in the league right now, I know I can do better,” Sanders told ESPN Cleveland last month.
When asked about the Browns' quarterback situation last week, Sanders responded repeatedly grins, then silently moves his mouth in response. A Browns employee then interrupted the interview.
Meanwhile, the Bengals say Flacco will start this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. The team started the season 2-0 but fell to 2-3 after star player Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury that sidelined him. for at least three months.