Browns’ QB Rookie Shedeur Sanders Gets Great News on Starting Role Before 49ers Game
Ahead of the first home start of his career in Week 13 against the 49ers, rookie QB Shedeur Sanders got some great news on his future with the Cleveland Browns — at least his near future. The former Jackson State and Colorado quarterback was projected to be a first- or second-round pick in this past draft, yet fell all the way to the fifth round due in part to some off-field concerns.
Sanders began training camp fourth on the depth chart in Cleveland, behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as a fellow rookie, third-rounder Dillon Gabriel. Pickett was traded to the Raiders coming out of the preseason to make the roster a little less crowded, and Flacco began the season as the starter. However, he was traded to the Bengals back in October, and Gabriel assumed starting duties.
When Gabriel suffered a concussion in Week 11 against the Ravens, Sanders stepped in and played the entire second half, getting his first taste of real NFL action. It wasn’t pretty, as he went 4 of 16 passing for 47 yards and an interception, also taking two sacks. It wasn’t a good debut, but Sanders stepped up in first start the following week against the Raiders, going 11 of 20 for 209 yards with a touchdown and a pick, only taking one sack in a 24-10 victory.
Shedeur Sanders Might Start the Rest of the Season for the Cleveland Browns
On Sunday morning, multiple reports came out suggesting the Browns are interested in getting an extended look at Sanders as the starter. When Cleveland drafted two rookie quarterbacks back in April, the expectation was they’d give each a run as the starter to see what they’ve got. Gabriel had his turn, and now Sanders has his.
“Yes, Shedeur Sanders makes his first home start today for the Cleveland Browns,” said NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on NFL Game Day Morning. “Impressive one last week, had the full week of reps, had the game plan tailored for him. Took some deep shots, enough to win, enough that the Browns wanted to see more.”
“So he starts again today,” Rapoport continued. “My understanding is that the Browns — with a good performance [by Sanders], with a performance they can be proud of — that he could start the rest of the way. And yes, it’s about that Shedeur will have earned it if that’s the case. But they also want to evaluate him, the Browns want to get out of this season knowing whether or not they have a franchise quarterback. With two first-round picks coming up in this draft, they have to know.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the same thing, writing on X/Twitter, “Browns are open to giving Shedeur Sanders an extended look for the rest of this season, just as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel got in the first half of this season.”
The Cleveland Browns Have Two First-Round Picks in the 2026 Draft
Buccaneers sign quarterback to active roster ahead of Cardinals game
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made several roster moves heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
With Baker Mayfield managing a shoulder injury from last week’s game, the team wanted extra depth in the quarterback room and made a move to address that.
According to Fox Sports Greg Auman, the Buccaneers elevated safety Marcus Banks and promoted quarterback Connor Bazelak from the practice squad to help with depth in regards to their latest injuries.
Bucs add QB insurance with Bazelak promotion
To make room for Bazelak, the Buccaneers waived running back Owen Wright, opening a roster spot for a quarterback who already knows the system well. Even though Mayfield is trending toward playing, the team has been cautious with injuries all year, and this move follows that same approach. The coaching staff wants to ensure they are protected in case Mayfield’s shoulder becomes an issue mid-game.
Bazelak has been with the team throughout the preseason and then on the practice squad and has shown steady command of the offense. Tampa Bay trusts what he brings as an emergency option. His preseason performance provides a solid foundation for the Bucs to feel comfortable elevating him for Week 13.
In preseason, Bazelak completed 32 of 46 passes, registered 261 passing yards, threw one touchdown and didn't throw any picks.
While no one expects Bazelak to play unless necessary, which would likely mean Teddy Bridgewater would get hurt as well in that doomsday scenario, the Bucs now have added security behind Mayfield. With the team in playoff position and every game mattering more, depth at quarterback becomes a smart insurance policy.
Marcus Banks brought up to strengthen special teams
Along with Bazelak, Tampa Bay elevated safety Marcus Banks from the practice squad. Banks is expected to play primarily on special teams, where the Buccaneers have made continuous adjustments throughout the season. His athleticism and experience make him a strong fit for kickoff and punt coverage units.
Given how important field position and special teams execution have been for Tampa Bay, bringing in Banks gives them another reliable body as they prepare for this game. His elevation also aligns with the team’s approach of staying ready for injury issues.
As the Buccaneers head into a critical Week 13 matchup with the Cardinals, these roster moves help ensure they are prepared at quarterback, on special teams and across the board.
