Shedeur Sanders Inactive, Remains QB2

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders was ruled inactive for the Browns’ game in Foxborough with back tightness, and the team elevated Bailey Zappe from the practice squad as the emergency backup while Dillon Gabriel remained the starter. Sanders will use the bye week to recover and is expected to be QB2 when Cleveland resumes play, but he has yet to take a regular‑season snap and has had limited first‑team reps. Recurring minor injuries and limited game exposure have fueled trade speculation and uncertainty about whether the Browns will insert him into meaningful snaps this season. Evaluations of Sanders are sharply divided — some critics cited his draft slide and off‑field concerns, while coaches and teammates praise his work ethic, and media attention amplified by his status as Deion Sanders’ son has intensified scrutiny. Off the field, Sanders is building commercial appeal, including a reported sneaker collaboration, but the anticipated return of Deshaun Watson and recent roster moves complicate his immediate path to playing time.