Shedeur Sanders' experience as the backup quarterback of the Cleveland Browns is different from Dillon Gabriel's, and head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed why
13:43 ET, 22 Oct 2025Updated 13:44 ET, 22 Oct 2025
Shedeur Sanders isn't receiving the same reps that Dillon Gabriel did
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Shedeur Sanders isn't receiving the same reps that Dillon Gabriel did(Image: 2025 Jason Miller)
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is not getting reps with the starting offense in practice, despite playing backup to Dillon Gabriel.
The Browns are paying eight quarterbacks this season, but opted to move on from newly signed veteran Joe Flacco and start third-round rookie Gabriel. The former Oregon quarterback is 1-2 as a starter this season and earned his first win on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
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Sanders took a vow of silence when learning that Gabriel had been given the starting role, but his role behind the scenes has changed. Despite not being QB2, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski admitted that Gabriel needs more attention than Flacco because he is a rookie.
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When Stefanski benched Flacco for Gabriel, he revealed that the rookie had received practice reps with the first-team offense. This was standard procedure as a backup quarterback, but Sanders hasn't received the same treatment since he was promoted to QB2.
Sanders moved up the depth chart after the Browns traded Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, who were struggling without Joe Burrow. However, Stefanski admitted Wednesday that Sanders has not been receiving first-team reps like his fellow rookie did at the start of the season.
"With a young quarterback, with Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets a lot of the reps," Stefanski told reporters. "It's different when you have a veteran with Joe."
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has explained why Sanders hasn't had the same perks as Gabriel
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Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has explained why Sanders hasn't had the same perks as Gabriel(Image: ©Icon Sportswire All Rights Reserved)
Stefanski confirmed that Sanders is still getting a lot of practice reps in periods, but not with the starting offense. Sanders has also participated in post-practice sessions alongside practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe.
Gabriel made history in Week 5 when he was named Cleveland's starter. The game against the Minnesota Vikings was held in London, England, and Gabriel became the first quarterback to make his debut overseas. The Browns suffered a narrow 21-17 defeat.
The Pittsburgh Steelers then outclassed Cleveland, as Aaron Rodgers led the team to a 23-9 win. Gabriel claimed his first NFL victory on Sunday, throwing for 116 yards, but the rookie running back Quinshon Judkins stole the show.
Gabriel secured his first NFL victory on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins
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Gabriel secured his first NFL victory on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins(Image: 2025 Lauren Leigh Bacho)
Judkins rushed for three touchdowns and 84 yards on 25 carries, and now has five touchdowns in his first six NFL games. It's been a bright start for the Browns' rookies, although Sanders' career is yet to begin.
Sanders seems willing to wait for his opportunity and trusts the process, according to a statement posted on social media.
"The greatest lesson I’ve learned through it all is not to worry but to lean on and trust GOD in every situation," he wrote.
"Even when I don’t know what to do, I’ve learned that GOD will always guide me. I live stress-free because I know that, no matter what, GOD has the final say over my life. I’m able to persevere through trials because I come from a family built on morals, values, and unshakable principles.
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"Growing up, I had access to a lot, and maybe without my understanding shaped my world view, but I’ve realized that peace, purpose, and faith can’t be bought. They have to be built. True success is who you become while waiting on GOD’s timing. GOD’s pace protects what your purpose will one day require."