The Cleveland Browns were in the midst of another blowout this past Sunday, when Dillon Gabriel was inserted with just about four minutes to go.
This is the second time the former Oregon standout was handed mop-up duties, with his first appearance coming in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, where Gabriel was able to orchestrate a scoring drive.
The Browns' third-string quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, was on camera when his fellow rookie was sent into the game, and he didn't look enthused. Could that be because of Cleveland's lopsided score, or does the former Colorado Buffalo believe he should be the one getting these reps?
Shedeur Sanders' Reaction to Dillon Gabriel Coming Into the Game
Regardless of how Sanders felt about Gabriel going into the game, he would only have been able to enter if both Joe Flacco and Gabriel were injured, as per the league's emergency third-string quarterback rules.
But maybe Sanders' thoughts in the moment were that he should be serving as the backup, and the former Oregon Duck should be acting as the third-string.
The 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft made waves last week in an interview with ESPN Cleveland, commenting on his current situation in Cleveland and quarterback play around the league.
"I don’t think playing or not playing is in my head. Based on the situation, if things happen and it turns out that I play, then I’ll be out there and I’ll be ready to play. I’m ready to play right now," Sanders told the media.
"I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I’m capable of playing better than that."
While he didn't name Flacco and Gabriel specifically, they are certainly included in quarterback play around the league.
It remains to be seen if Sanders will eventually get his shot at the Browns' starting quarterback job, but in the meantime, he'll continue to work with the scout team and watch from the sidelines on Sundays.
More Oregon news:
- Browns insider projects timeline for Joe Flacco benching, Dillon Gabriel starting
- Oregon star predicted to replace Cowboys' injured Malik Hooker in 2026
- Chargers' Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert is 'taking too many hits'
- Browns urged to bench Joe Flacco, start Dillon Gabriel at quarterback
- Did Shedeur Sanders just take a jab at Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco and other NFL QBs?