Browns HC Responds to Shedeur Sanders’ Comments on Being Ready to Make 1st NFL Start

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed Shedeur Sanders’ comments about being ready to play right now if he were called into action.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, Stefanski had a very diplomatic response when asked about the rookie quarterback’s statement:

“Yeah, he’s doing a good job. I hope all of our guys feel like they’re ready . . . and they’re working very hard at it. We do a lot of work with our players, rookies, vets, all our guys, spending every available minute that we have with them, getting them ready physically, mentally, whether it’s in the weight room, the meeting room, out on the field. So all of our guys are working very hard.”

Sanders made headlines this week when he told ESPN Cleveland that he’s “ready to play right now” and that he’s “capable of doing better” than a lot of the current starting quarterbacks throughout the league (starts at the :38 mark).

The 23-year-old also received attention after it was revealed his camp steered him away from the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 draft because he didn’t want to be a backup to Lamar Jackson.

Sanders told ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi he was “thankful” for the situation he is in with the Browns.

There’s no indication at this point that Sanders is close to seeing the field. He remains listed as the No. 3 quarterback on Cleveland’s depth chart, behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.

Sanders has been getting work in practice, primarily as the quarterback for the scout team each week.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if at some point Flacco is replaced as the starter. He has struggled so far this season with 631 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in three games.

Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, would likely get first crack at proving himself as a long-term option for the Browns. If that doesn’t work out, Sanders could get some in-game reps by the end of this season.