On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns made a major announcement about Shedeur Sanders. The rookie quarterback has yet to appear in a game this season, as Dillon Gabriel is the current starter and Joe Flacco started the year as Cleveland’s QB1.
However, Sanders has moved up the depth chart. After originally sitting at QB4 during the preseason, he has worked his way up to QB2 after Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals and Kenny Pickett was dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders. But today, when the Browns take on the New England Patriots, Sanders won’t be the QB2 because he’ll be inactive.
Why Is Shedeur Sanders Inactive in Week 8?
The Browns announced that Sanders is officially inactive due to a back injury, meaning Bailey Zappe will handle QB2 duties against his former team after being elevated from the practice squad.
Gabriel will still get the start for the Browns. This season, Gabriel has totaled 546 passing yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions while also rushing for 17 yards. While he has avoided mistakes, the offense hasn’t looked very explosive with Gabriel under center.
This season, This season, Gabriel has been the 34th-ranked QB in the league with a 57.2 grade, according to PFSN’s QB Impact metric. The Browns have the second-worst offense in the league, per PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
Sanders is expected to play at some point this season so that the Browns’ coaching staff and front office can evaluate the fifth-round pick, especially since Cleveland will likely have a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and needs to decide whether picking a QB is the right move.
Sanders and Dillon Gabriel’s Fantasy Outlook
Gabriel completed 13-of-18 passes against the Miami Dolphins last week in a game with less than favorable conditions. That’s fine. Whether it’s Sanders under center or Gabriel, this offense isn’t built for big numbers and that’s going to continue to be the case, likely well beyond this season.
If one tight end sits, I have no issue in considering the other as a fringe TE1, but outside of that, it’s Quinshon Judkins or bust as far as Browns offensive players go.
Gabriel is a desperation QB2 in two-QB leagues. Sanders is an interesting dynasty stash if you believe in his talent, but it’s hard to imagine him putting up the kind of numbers that will lead to him starting in fantasy leagues this season once he eventually gets an opportunity to start.
