Is Shedeur Sanders Getting Left Behind In The Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Battle?

Shedeur Sanders waits as Dillon Gabriel eyes a return and the November 10 deadline nears for Browns.© Image via: X/@NFL_DovKleiman

Few quarterbacks know what waiting feels like quite like Shedeur Sanders does right now. The Cleveland Browns sit at 4-2, Deshaun Watson keeps finding ways to win, and the 2025 fifth-round pick has thrown exactly one pass all season. Now a practice report adds a new wrinkle. Dillon Gabriel is working with the second team, and the November 10 trade deadline is closing in. Sanders controls none of it right now. What happens next could shape the next chapter of his young NFL career in Cleveland.

Dillon Gabriel's Return Could Push Shedeur Sanders Down The Cleveland Browns Depth Chart

Dillon Gabriel is on injured reserve with a back injury, and the Browns ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Still, he was a full participant in practice all week. That detail matters. Starters soak up most practice snaps, so the backup group gets few chances to sharpen. Whoever holds that spot gets the reps. ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo explained what he saw.

"Dillon Gabriel was taking second-team reps in practice this week," Rizzo said. "He can't play in this game because he's not activated. However, we're coming up on this. We have to win Sunday first, but this is a big thing."

#Browns Shedeur Sanders could start in Week 3 https://t.co/dKqyCm4J9j

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) September 20, 2026

Sanders still sits second on the published depth chart. That could change the day Gabriel returns.

Shedeur Sanders Trade Deadline Buzz Grows As The Cleveland Browns Weigh Their Options

The timing adds fuel. Sanders recently hired agent Adie von Gontard of Young Money APAA Sports after starting his career without representation. He also reportedly missed Watson's party for teammates after the win over the Baltimore Ravens. None of that proves he wants out. Tony Grossi, also of ESPN Cleveland, still understands why people wonder.

"It's natural to think something is amiss," ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi said in response to Rizzo.

Grossi expects Cleveland to hold every quarterback for now.

"The trade deadline is November 10, so they could stretch this out if they want to keep four quarterbacks, which I think they will do. Not for the rest of the season, just until Nov. 10," Grossi said. "When I asked the coach this week on who is making the call on Gabriel, he said, 'all of us.' I don't think there's anything brewing, but by November 10, something has to happen."

That plan keeps Watson, Sanders, Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green on the roster for another few weeks. It also gives the front office time to see which arm other teams might want.

There is a little irony in this week's matchup. Sanders threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee last season and ran for another score. He knows what his best day looks like. He just may not get another one soon. Watson has delivered a late go-ahead drive in all four Browns wins, including a 13-10 victory over Baltimore, so patience may be Sanders' only play for now.