Browns Keep Sanders Benched Amid Trade Chatter

Rookie Shedeur Sanders remains on the Browns' bench behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, with coach Kevin Stefanski saying he "isn't thinking about playing Shedeur" as Gabriel stays the starter amid a 1-3 stretch and the team's 2-6 record. Sanders was inactive against New England because of a back issue but, according to Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, is improving and getting reps in practice. Cleveland has shifted play-calling to Rees as it tries to revive its struggling offense. With the Nov. 4 trade deadline looming, Sanders has become a focus of intensified trade chatter—former Browns returner Joshua Cribbs suggested teams would likely give at least a second-round pick for him as Cleveland seeks more wide receiver help. Sanders drew attention during the bye by returning to Colorado wearing a "The rejected will be respected" shirt, a move viewed as a symbolic message amid the uncertainty.