Bailey Zappe's return does not affect Shedeur Sanders' role as the emergency QB3 on game days, per coach Kevin Stefanski. (Cleveland Browns)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Shedeur Sanders, in fact, will start his rookie season dressed as the No. 3 quarterback when the Browns play the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7.
The question arose after the Browns signed young veteran Bailey Zappe to their practice squad. At the very least, Zappe, who was with the Browns for 11 weeks last year and started their last game, could give the Browns an option for the emergency role.
But when coach Kevin Stefanski was asked who will be the emergency QB on game days, he answered, without elaboration, “Shedeur.”
So why did the Browns add Zappe, who was 4-4 in eight starts with the Patriots in 2022-23 before going 0-1 with the Browns in 2024? Was it merely for an insurance QB if something would happen to starter Joe Flacco, QB2 Dillon Gabriel or Sanders?
“I think that’s right,” Stefanski said. “I think you’ve got to make sure that room is strong in numbers. So, we like Bailey, what he brings, and being around him, know what he’s about. But that’s all it is.”
The emergency quarterback can only play in a game if both active QBs leave with injuries. It happened in Game 7 for the Browns last season. Deshaun Watson suffered an Achilles injury in the second quarter and then backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson left in the fourth quarter with a finger injury, leaving Jameis Winston to finish the game.
A quarterback on the practice squad can be designated the QB3 only if he is elevated to the 53 roster on the day before the game. So if that ever happens with Zappe, it would be known a day in advance that he would serve as the emergency QB.
Rocket man
New Browns running back Raheim Sanders was claimed off waivers from the Chargers ostensibly to serve as the team’s big back in short-yardage situations until Quinshon Judkins arrives.
Which defies his youth football history. He was nicknamed “Rocket” by the coach of his Pop Warner team in the Orlando, FL, area because of his outside speed. The name stuck even though Sanders, at 6-0 and 217 pounds, should be more powerful than RB1 Jerome Ford (5-10, 210) and RB2 Dylan Sampson (5-8, 200).
“Runs hard, big kid, had a really good preseason on the tape,” Stefanski said. “We did a lot of work on him when he was coming out. So really, really fits us both schematically and culturally.”
Sanders, who was undrafted out of South Carolina, led the Chargers in preseason with 101 rushing yards (3.6 average) and two touchdowns. The Chargers waived him at the 53 cut, but intended to sign him to their practice squad until the Browns claimed him.
“I feel like I put in a lot of work there and they paved the way for me,” Sanders said.
He said he’s looking forward to the challenge of catching up to his new team and is not worried about getting up to speed for the Bengals game.
“I’m learning everything right now,” he said. “I was on a flight last night. I’m staying over the weekend. This weekend’ gonna be a learning thing. Just trying to get the offense down and the playbook. I’m not worrying about the Bengals right now. I’m worrying about learning everybody’s names.”
Brownie bits
Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger continues to impress coaches and teammates. Linebacker Jerome Baker said of Schwesinger, “Anybody that loves football, he’s the perfect guy for you. Just sit down with him and talk ball. He understands it, he can speak on it. He’s a rookie, but his mind is definitely way beyond his years. If you ever get a chance to talk to him, you’d quickly pick up that he’s not your average rookie. He’s definitely going to have a great career.” …
Cedric Tillman enters his third season as WR2. Injuries have hampered Tillman his first two seasons, limiting him to 50 receptions in 25 games. He missed the last six games last season with a concussion. “Sure, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have bigger expectations for myself,” he said. “That’s just because I’m a competitor. Everything happens for a reason. I’m looking forward to next weekand the season. I just got to be healthy. If I’m healthy, I know what I can do.” …
Players voted for team captains on Thursday. They are Joe Flacco and Joel Bitonio on offense, Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward on defense, and Corey Bojorquez on special teams …
The Browns filled out their practice squad by adding: offensive tackle Logan Brown (Vikings undrafted free agent), receiver Malachi Corley (Jets), guard Cole Strange (Patriots), guard Garrett Dellinger (Ravens), and linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (Bills), and Zappe. They also brought back cornerback Dom Jones and tight end Brenden Bates …
DNPs in the final practice before a free Labor Day weekend were center Ethan Pocic, linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, defensive tackle Mike Hall, offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas and tight end Blake Whiteheart. Players are off until Monday, when the first work week of the season begins.