Report: Shedeur Sanders Not Taking Scout-Team Reps as Browns Turn to Bailey Zappe
ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo says the Browns’ third-string quarterback has been watching rather than running scout-team reps, prompting questions about his role despite strong rookie jersey sales
Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ third-string quarterback, is reportedly not running scout-team reps during practices, with the team instead using veteran Bailey Zappe to emulate upcoming opponents, ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo said Thursday.
Rizzo told listeners he had heard that Sanders "isn't even running scout team, he's literally watching everyone," and that Zappe, a fourth-year NFL quarterback, had been taking those repetitions. "Why's he on the team? Why is he even here?" Rizzo asked on the show, noting the attention Sanders has attracted since joining the Browns.
The Browns' active depth chart lists Joe Flacco as the starter and rookie Dillon Gabriel as the primary backup. Gabriel, a third-round pick, remains ahead of Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round. Third-string quarterbacks typically take scout-team repetitions to simulate the opposing team's signal-caller, but Rizzo said Cleveland has leaned on Zappe to fill that role.
Cleveland faced Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in Week 1, a more traditional pocket passer. According to Rizzo's report, the Browns are preparing this week to face Baltimore Ravens rookie-to-established starter Lamar Jackson, a dual-threat quarterback whose playing style differs notably from Burrow's.
There was no immediate comment from the Browns on Rizzo's account. Team officials routinely assign scout-team duties based on a variety of factors, including experience, ball delivery, and the ability to mimic an opponent's tendencies, and Rizzo acknowledged there could be specific reasons the Browns preferred Zappe for those reps.
Sanders drew attention during the preseason, including a notable debut that generated considerable public interest. That interest has carried into merchandise sales: the NFL Players Association reported Sanders' jersey was the fifth-best seller across the league between March 1 and July 31, ranking first among rookies and trailing only Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels and Josh Allen in that period.
Critics and supporters have debated Sanders' readiness for an NFL roster spot since the Browns drafted him. Keeping Gabriel ahead of Sanders on the depth chart and limiting Sanders' on-field practice repetitions — if Rizzo's reporting is accurate — could affect his development timeline and immediate utility to the team.
Sanders remains one of the most-discussed third-string quarterbacks in the league. The Browns' coaching staff and front office have not publicly revised the depth chart or announced changes to scout-team assignments since roster decisions were finalized. How the team balances player development, game preparation and roster optics will shape Sanders' role in the coming weeks as Cleveland continues its early-season slate.