Browns Unexpected QB ‘Wrinkle’ Could Be Bad News for Shedeur Sanders
Much has been made about the Cleveland Browns quarterback situation and the potential of Shedeur Sanders replacing Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback for the 2-6 squad.
However, Ashley Bastock of cleveland.com could see practice squad Bailey Zappe and Deshaun Watson as complicating “wrinkles” in Cleveland’s eternally messy quarterback situation.
The Browns signed Zappe ahead of the season and he’s been on the practice squad. He was active last week as the backup in place of an injured Sanders. Zappe spent time with the Browns last season and started the meaningless season finale.
Watson is recovering from a twice-ruptured Achilles and is on the PUP list. He’s expected to be evaluated during the bye week, and the Browns will have to make a decision on whether or not to open his 21-day window for a return.
“I think there is another wrinkle that could happen. There are two other guys in that room,” Bastock said on 92.3 The Fan. I know no one wants to have the Deshaun Watson conversation but what if we come back from this bye week and they’re talking about opening his practice window? The reality is, they didn’t shut Deshaun Watson down for the entire year.
“Bailey Zappe is there. He’s started a football game for them. Shedeur is the backup quarterback when healthy, but you can never say never with this team and their quarterbacks, especially with two other veteran guys — that’s something to keep in mind, for sure.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Dealing With Back Injury
As the depth chart is currently constructed, Sanders would be the next logical option for the Browns if Gabriel continues to struggle. Through four starts, Gabriel is 1-3 and has passed for 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. What’s been concerning about Gabriel’s play is his lack of playmaking ability, averaging just 4.9 yards per attempt.
An unexpected factor for Sanders was a sudden back injury he suffered ahead of Week 8. He tested it pregame but the Browns decided to hold Sanders out. The fifth-round pick
“He obviously came in Saturday with his back injury. We were hopeful that he’d be able to move around well enough to suit up on Sunday. But, put him through a pre-game warm up, and obviously just didn’t feel like he was ready to play,”
Stefanski also said that his “focus” is not on Sanders starting when the team comes out of the bye week for a Week 10 matchup against the
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Eager to Prove Doubters Wrong
Watson’s stay in Cleveland has been a disaster. Since arriving in 2022 via a blockbuster trade, Watson has a 9-10 record as the starter, passing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Even when healthy, Watson has not looked nearly as good as the Pro Bowl talent he was with the
The Browns have been forced to navigate the consequences of the trade, which included signing Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Owner Jimmy Haslam called it a “swing and miss,”
However, Watson is still eager to return and prove his doubters wrong.
“Everyone is doubting me — everyone don’t believe in me,”
The odds are stacked against Watson. His performance was already declining before the severe injury that has sidelined him for more than a year. It’s unlikely he’ll factor into the quarterback decision in Cleveland. But never say never, especially with the Browns.
Dan Campbell is Fired Up About Aidan Hutchinson’s Contract Extension
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell couldn’t have been more fired up about keeping Aidan Hutchinson in Honolulu Blue for the long haul.
Following Hutchinson’s massive four-year, $180 million contract extension, Campbell shared his thoughts via text with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, praising the Pro Bowl edge rusher’s all-around dominance and leadership on defense.
“Hutch is a pillar for us! He’s a complete football player,” Campbell said. “He sets edges in the run game, disrupts QBs in the pass game and has awareness and feel in coverage when asked to drop. Complete! Fired up to have him long term!”
The message perfectly sums up what Hutchinson means to this organization. Since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2022, the former Michigan Wolverine has become the face of the Lions’ defense, a relentless pass-rusher, high-character leader, and cornerstone of defensive coordinator
Through seven games in 2025, Hutchinson has six sacks, four forced fumbles, and 48 total pressures, ranking among the NFL’s elite defenders. His new deal makes him the second-highest-paid pass rusher in the league, behind only Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys.
For Campbell, this extension isn’t just about rewarding production, it’s about securing the identity of his football team.
“Complete,” Campbell emphasized. And with Hutchinson locked up through his prime, Detroit’s defense is built to stay that way for years to come.
