Browns make ex-Patriots QB Shedeur Sanders' backup for Week 12

Matt Sullivan

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Browns make ex-Patriots QB Shedeur Sanders' backup for Week 12 image

The Cleveland browns are heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a big change at their quarterback spot. After weeks of Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders is finally getting a chance to start.

Traveling to Las Vegas, Sanders will face Maxx Crosby and the Raiders for his first NFL start after a shaky debut in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.

With Gabriel in concussion protocol, the Browns needed a new QB to back up Sanders this week. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns are activating former New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to be Sanders' backup this week.

Browns make a roster move to add Shedeur Sanders' backup for Week 12

"The Browns elevated QB Bailey Zappe to be the No. 2 QB behind Shedeur Sanders on Sunday," Rapoport reports.

Zappe has spent time with the Patriots and Browns before in his NFL career, starting nine games in his NFL career. His lone start with the Browns came in 2024, and he went 16-31 for 170 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and one sack for a five-yard loss.

Cleveland will hope to stick with Sanders in Week 12 against the Raiders, even though his NFL debut was far from ideal.

More: Shannon Sharpe blasts Browns for Shedeur Sanders' decision amid NFL debut

Sanders, against the Ravens in relief of Gabriel, went 4-16 for 47 yards, one interception, two sacks for 27 yards lost, and one costly intentional grounding penalty.

But now, with a week of practice with the first-team offense, Sanders has a chance to prove himself as a starter in the NFL.

Sanders is getting his first NFL start, and Zappe will be his backup. Barring a total disaster or an injury, the Browns won't pull Sanders, as Zappe being in the lineup would be far from ideal.

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