Kevin Stefanski shares what’s really going on with Shedeur Sanders
The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback isn’t getting any first-team reps in practice, and Kevin Stefanski has given the scoop.
When the Cleveland Browns traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, many fans were hopeful they’d finally get to see rookie Shedeur Sanders take the field. But that move only bumped Sanders up to the second-string position.
Fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was the one to get the starting job, as he was the one sitting just behind Flacco. Gabriel was chosen in the third-round, while Sanders was chosen in the fifth. But since then, Sanders hasn’t even received any first-team reps in practice, something that head coach Kevin Stefanski finally addressed.
Stefanski breaks silence on Shedeur Sanders’ development
During Wednesday’s media availability, Stefanski provided an update on Sanders and his current role on the team, and why he’s not getting the first-team reps some fans feel he should, especially considering Gabriel did while he was the backup to Flacco.
Kevin Stefanski revealed today that Browns QB Shedeur Sanders isn't getting 1st team reps in practice. Do you think he should be? pic.twitter.com/9hadV55eQJ
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 22, 2025
Stefanski explained this decision as part of the team’s plan to keep Gabriel heavily involved with the starting offense as he continues to develop.
“With a young quarterback, with Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets a lot of the reps,” Stefanski said. “It’s different when you have a veteran with Joe.”
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said Shedeur Sanders is not getting any first-team reps like Dillon Gabriel did when Joe Flacco was the starter, because with Gabriel “being a young QB, you want to make sure he’s getting a lot of reps. It’s different when you have a vet like Joe.” pic.twitter.com/tiwPEg8CzY
— Ashly Holder (@AshNoelleTV) October 22, 2025
Sanders, who starred at Colorado and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2024, entered the league with first-round expectations before sliding to the fifth round in the NFL Draft. Though his time may not have come yet, the Browns clearly remain focused on developing both young quarterbacks carefully.
Cleveland currently sits at 2-4 and will look to regroup Sunday when they host the New England Patriots at 1 p.m. ET, with Sanders still waiting on the sideline for his first big opportunity.
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