Browns make surprise QB move Before Patriots game as Shedeur Sanders injury pops up
The Cleveland Browns will allow third-round rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to make his fourth career start against the New England Patriots.
But the Browns could be without their backup.
According to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns have elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad as the team is listing Shedeur Sanders as questionable with a back injury.
Sanders was named Cleveland’s backup quarterback after Browns general manager Andrew Berry traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.
While Sanders is the team’s backup, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed to the media that he has not received reps with the first team offense. Since Gabriel is a rookie QB as well, those reps are valuable. Gabriel did receive first-team reps when Flacco was the team’s starter.
However, Stefanski said that Sanders was still getting plenty of activity during other sessions at practice.
Sanders dealt with an oblique injury that sidelined him from a few training camp sessions this summer. He ultimately was ruled out for Cleveland’s second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Zappe’s elevation points towards the Browns potentially keeping Sanders on the shelf against the Patriots. It’s unthinkable that Stefanski would bench Gabriel mid-game, but in the event of injury to the sub-six-foot quarterback, Zappe could see action before Sanders.
Zappe started a game for the Browns last season. He completed 51 percent of his passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Ironically, he started eight games throughout his first two seasons in the NFL with the Patriots.
Sanders exploded onto the scene with the Browns this preseason. The Browns stopped his dramatic NFL Draft slide when they selected him with the No. 144 overall pick.
Despite the fifth-round selection, Sanders endeared himself to the fanbase with a dazzling, two touchdown performance in Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. But he was unable to play in Cleveland’s next preseason game against the Eagles and crashed down to earth against the Los Angeles Rams, where he was benched after being sacked five times in limited action.
The Browns have patiently developed Sanders behind the scenes. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the expectation is that the Browns will take a look at Sanders some point this season.
That might have to wait at least one more week – as the former Colorado quarterback will enter Foxborough as questionable with Zappe being elevated from the practice squad against his former team.
Broncos' Evan Engram could have tight end competition amid trade rumors
The Denver Broncos are currently atop the AFC West, and their defense remains one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL through seven weeks. After two incredible wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, Denver is in the driver's seat in the West.
But, there's still room for improvement. The Broncos are 5-2, but still can add to their offense at the trade deadline. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey are a strong running back duo, but the rest of their offense could see improvements.
Denver has been linked to wide receiver help ahead of the trade deadline, and now, the Broncos are reportedly interested in adding competition for Evan Engram in the tight end room.
Broncos eyeing tight end help at the trade deadline
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, "The Broncos are monitoring the tight end market."
Engram signed a two-year deal with the Broncos for $23 million, but if Denver wants, they could save some cap space if they move on from him after the 2025 season.
He's not locked into the team for a while, and with Courtland Sutton and others in the wide receiver room locked up for a few years, the tight end room is uncertain for the future.
So far this season, in six games, Engram has had 22 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown. He's not incredibly involved in the offense, and with his future in Denver uncertain after 2025, adding a tight end for 2025 and beyond isn't out of the question.
Backing up Engram are Nate Adkins and Adam Trautman, two tight ends who aren't heavily involved in the offense. Adkins has six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Trautman has seven catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Denver eyeing tight end help could add competition for Engram in the receiving game, or it could even open up Engram to move to a more wide receiver-centric role as a big-slot, like he was at times for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Giants.
Looking around the NFL, there aren't a ton of tight end trade options who could be available. But, Baltimore Ravens' Mark Andrews, Tennessee Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo, Cleveland Browns' David Njoku, Washington Commanders' Zach Ertz, and New Orleans Saints' Taysom Hill are all names to keep in mind.
The Broncos, with Bo Nix and Sean Payton, have a chance to go on a deep playoff run, but they do need improved offensive personnel if they want to capitalize on this window.
With a stellar defense and strong offensive foundation, adding more weapons for Nix and Payton could make winning the AFC West a reality for the Broncos.
Russini reports the Broncos are monitoring the tight end trade market, which could add competition for Engram in one of the more uncertain position rooms on the Broncos.
