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Daniel Oyefusi
BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is anticipated to participate in Saturday’s preseason finale at home against the Los Angeles Rams.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also mentioned that undrafted rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who joined the team on Monday, will take the field on Saturday following practice this week.
Stefanski noted on Thursday that, unless there’s a setback, Sanders would be on the field. Cleveland plans to utilize its starters, including the newly appointed starting quarterback Joe Flacco, for approximately 20 to 25 snaps. Stefanski indicated that rookie Dillon Gabriel would serve as the backup, with Sanders being third in line.
Kenny Pickett returned to 11-on-11 drills on Wednesday but is sidelined for Saturday due to an ongoing hamstring injury.
Pickett had missed the second preseason game last week because of an oblique strain. He resumed team drills on Wednesday and practiced again on Thursday.
«Everything’s fine,» Sanders remarked regarding his oblique injury.
In addition, Sanders minimized the controversy related to Gabriel’s remarks made during an in-game interview last week, stating that Gabriel later approached him to clarify that the statement was not aimed at him.
When Gabriel was questioned during the CBS Sports broadcast about «tuning out the noise» regarding the Browns’ quarterback battle, he stated, «Yeah, it’s just part of it. You know, there are entertainers and there are competitors, and I completely understand that. But my focus is on competing. And that’s what I’m dedicated to doing.»
Many on social media interpreted Gabriel’s «entertainers» comment as a jab at Sanders, who, although picked in the fifth round — two rounds after Gabriel — has been in the spotlight more. Sanders’ unexpected draft fall from being expected in the first round and his well-known father, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, have made him one of the most talked-about NFL rookies this season. Gabriel later clarified that the term «entertainers» referred to the media.
«Honestly, I don’t think about anything. I don’t dwell on anything,» Sanders said when questioned about the remarks. «If it’s just words or anything at this stage, it can’t impact me. I believe that God equipped me with the strength to disregard others’ opinions, not care. It is what it is. I spoke to him. He told me on the plane. He came up and said, ‘Nah bro, that wasn’t about you.’ … I’m not bothered by it, regardless of what it was. Nobody’s words or anything influences me.»
When asked later if he trusted Gabriel, Sanders replied, «Do I think he did? I’m not certain. And it’s not for me to sit here and say, ‘Oh, he did; he didn’t.’ That won’t alter my life in any way.»
