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Kevin Stefanski addresses whether Shedeur Sanders is ready to play for Cleveland Browns

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz09/26/25NickSchultz_7
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders
© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Through three games this year, the Cleveland Browns have been leaning on their defense. That was the case last week in a thrilling, come-from-behind win over the Green Bay Packers with Joe Flacco back at quarterback.

But with two rookies on the depth chart, the question is whether Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders will see the field. Sanders, especially, gets plenty of attention considering his senior season at Colorado and subsequent slide down the NFL Draft board.

Speaking with reporters Friday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski received a question about whether Sanders is ready to play. He responded by saying the franchise feels comfortable with any of its quarterbacks, given they work they’re putting in.

“All our guys feel like they’re ready, and they’re working very hard at it,” Stefanski said. “We do a lot of work with our players – rookies, vets, all our guys – spending every available minute that we have with them getting them ready physically, mentally. Whether it’s in the weight room, the meeting room, out on the field. All our guys are working very hard.”

Flacco got the starting nod this year, as expected, after signing with the Browns this offseason. But both Gabriel and Sanders had some strong showings in the preseason in a crowded quarterback room. They remained with the team after training camp since Cleveland sent Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders.

But Cleveland has not scored more than 17 points through three games as questions continue to swirl about the offense. In fact, as he assessed quarterback play around the NFL, Shedeur Sanders said he thinks he’s ready to get on the field if his number is called.

“I know for sure, I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders told ESPN Cleveland on Thursday.

His father, Deion Sanders, also expressed confidence he’d get a starting opportunity at some point this year. Speaking with Jason and Travis Kelce, Coach Prime encouraged Shedeur to stay patient as his rookie season continues.

“Be patient and be ready,” Sanders said during an appearance on New Heights. “You got to be ready when it’s time. But when it’s time, you’re going to know. And it’s coming up. I got a prediction. I ain’t telling nobody. I got a feeling when it’s going to go down. But it’s going to go down this year. … He’s going to get a shot.”