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Shedeur Sanders was, quite literally, speechless when the media asked him about remaining as the Cleveland Browns’ No. 3 starter.
The Browns announced on Wednesday that Dillon Gabriel, who was taken two rounds ahead of Sanders, will start against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend.
However, Joe Flacco, who started the team’s first four games, will remain the backup, leaving Sanders in his third-string role.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. (David Reginek/Imagn Images)
Reporters approached Sanders at the Browns’ practice facility on Wednesday after their announcement to get his reaction, and he remained silent — though in a peculiar fashion.
Sanders actually pantomimed his answers, moving his mouth with no words coming out and smiling throughout.
Sanders got a start in the preseason due to an injury to the aforementioned Gabriel, and he impressed by completing 14 of his 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. However, a lingering injury kept him out for the next game, effectively ending any chances of him winning the backup job.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
Flacco, a Super Bowl champion, has gone without a touchdown pass in the last two games and has three interceptions in that span. The veteran quarterback has 815 passing yards, two touchdown passes and six interceptions through the first four weeks of the season.
Gabriel received some action already this season. In the 10 snaps he’s played, he is 3-for-4 with a touchdown pass and 19 passing yards.
Joe Flacco throws as Shedeur Sanders looks on during Browns training camp July 25, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. (Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Cleveland is 1-3 through four games, earning a surprise victory against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. They will be in London this weekend to face the Vikings.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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