The Cleveland Browns (2-5) are gearing up for a Week 8 road showdown against the New England Patriots (5-2) on Sunday.
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is set to make another start, but the Browns made an unexpected move regarding fellow rookie QB Shedeur Sanders just over 24 hours before kickoff.
Sanders, who has been serving as the team's second-string quarterback behind Gabriel, with Bailey Zappe as the emergency third-string, was added to the injury report after tweaking his back and is now listed as questionable to play against the Patriots.
As a precaution, the Browns elevated Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster in case Sanders is unable to suit up.
Sanders has had an eventful start to his NFL career. Originally projected as a first-round pick, he dramatically slipped to the fifth round-a last-minute drop that shocked many.
Despite this, Sanders earned his spot on the Browns roster during training camp and the preseason as the third-string quarterback behind veteran Joe Flacco, who was recently traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Gabriel.
After Flacco's departure, Sanders moved into the No. 2 role. However, his long-term future as the Browns' quarterback remains uncertain.
Trade rumors continue to swirl ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline, veteran Deshaun Watson is nearing a return from a torn Achilles, and the Browns could target a new QB in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they are on pace to secure a high selection.
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