Cleveland Browns face pressure to give Shedeur Sanders a chance
- The Cleveland Browns announced Dillon Gabriel as their starting quarterback ahead of Week 5.
- Shedeur Sanders has not been promoted above the third-string position, even with Joe Flacco being demoted.
- Calls for the Browns to give Sanders a chance have increased as fans and legends express concern over the team's future quarterback prospects.
In the United States, specifically in Cleveland, the Cleveland Browns made a significant roster change before their Week 5 matchup. The team announced that rookie Dillon Gabriel would start as the new quarterback, leading to veteran Joe Flacco becoming the backup. Shedeur Sanders, another rookie quarterback, remained as the emergency third-string QB. This decision is particularly disappointing for Sanders as he hasn't been elevated, despite Flacco's release and poor performance earlier in the season, with the Browns holding a disappointing 1-3 record. The Browns' coaching staff appears to be hesitant about giving Sanders a chance to play this season. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that several quarterbacks could be traded by the November 4 deadline, including the young Cleveland quarterbacks. Given Gabriel’s promotion to the starting lineup, there are hints that Sanders could be on the move. With injuries affecting other teams, specifically the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, Sanders's potential trade seems increasingly plausible to provide him with playing opportunities that he desperately needs. Cleveland Browns legend Hanford Dixon publicly urged the team to consider giving Sanders a shot if Gabriel struggles on the field. Dixon stated that it’s essential for the franchise to know if they have a potential starting quarterback on their roster before the 2025 season concludes. Fans share similar sentiments, expressing their desire to see Sanders play as they believe he deserves an opportunity to prove himself as a viable option moving forward. Although the team has elected to keep Flacco as backup and has showcased confidence in Gabriel, Dixon believes that the organization cannot afford to ignore Sanders’s readiness to compete. With tensions rising among fans and analysts about the future of the Browns' quarterback situation, it is becoming evident that time is running out for Sanders to showcase his talents. If Cleveland continues to overlook him as a potential starter, they may end up making a crucial misstep that could affect the team's future direction.