Browns coach denies report that Shedeur Sanders was sidelined from scout-team reps

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave on Friday denied media reports that third-string quarterback Shedeur Sanders had been sidelined from scout-team reps and was merely "watching" practice.

ESPN Cleveland reporter Tony Rizzo published remarks earlier in the day suggesting Sanders had been cut out of scout-team duties, saying, "I'm hearing Shedeur is not even running scout team, he's literally watching everyone. Bailey Zappe's running scout team. I don't know if that's true, that's what I'm hearing. Why's he [Sanders] on the team? Why is he even here?"

Musgrave pushed back on those accounts, saying the Browns continue to use multiple quarterbacks in practice to replicate opposing styles. "We're doing some things to replicate Baltimore's quarterback Lamar (Jackson) this week with all three guys to really give the defense a good look," Musgrave said. "Being a scout team quarterback, you're working on your own craft but really it's an art form to replicate the opponent so the defense can be ready to do their thing on Sunday."

Sanders, a third-string option for Cleveland this season, has seen a turbulent summer since being selected in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick. He attracted attention early in preseason after completing two touchdown passes in his first outing and drawing praise as one of the more effective performers in Week 1 of the exhibition slate. That momentum dimmed after a rough appearance against the Los Angeles Rams in which Sanders was sacked five times, completed three of six passes for 14 yards and was criticized for taking a sack on a play that left him significantly behind the line of scrimmage.

The Browns entered training camp and preseason with a crowded quarterback room. Veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel were placed ahead of Sanders on the depth chart, and Cleveland added Bailey Zappe to the roster at the end of August. Zappe, who has been in the NFL since 2022 and had a starting stint with the New England Patriots two seasons ago, took some scout-team responsibilities, a normal move as teams try to prepare defenses for varied opponent styles.

Cleveland carried as many as five quarterbacks during training camp before trimming the roster. The team released Tyler Huntley and traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders as it finalised its quarterback group for the regular season.

Musgrave emphasised the developmental and preparatory nature of scout-team work, noting it serves both the defense and the quarterbacks who execute opposing looks in practice. "Being a scout team quarterback, you're working on your own craft," he said, reiterating that replicating an opponent is part of preparing the defense for Sunday games.

Sanders' draft slide and mixed preseason results have prompted public scrutiny and media attention, but the Browns' coaching staff framed current practice roles as strategic and situational rather than punitive. The team opens its regular-season preparations this month with a depth chart that lists Sanders behind the veteran options; how much game-day activity he receives will depend on weekly game plans and any in-season roster changes.

For now, Musgrave said the Browns are focused on using all available quarterbacks to give the defense appropriate looks and to continue developing younger players' skills in practice, underscoring that scout-team duties remain part of a standard preparation process.