Analysts now believe that Shedeur Sanders will be completely erased from the Browns

S hedeur Sanders could suffer another setback in his attempt to establish himself as the Cleveland Browns ’ backup quarterback before the start of the season.

Reporter Zach “Chopz” Frydenlund surprised many with a prediction that places rookie Taylen Green ahead of Sanders in the quarterback hierarchy when Cleveland faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1.

“I have a bold Week 1 prediction: Taylen Green will be the QB2 and Shedeur Sanders will be inactive,” Frydenlund said on ESPN Cleveland . “Monken has talked a lot about Taylen Green and has not ruled out having a package of plays for him during the game. Shedeur Sanders will be inactive, but he will be the emergency quarterback in Week 1.”

So far, the Browns have not announced any change in Sanders’ situation. Since Deshaun Watson won the starting quarterback competition, the son of Deion Sanders had been viewed as the top backup option, while Green was considered a long-term developmental project.

However, Cleveland’s interest in taking advantage of the rookie’s unique skill set opens the door to a different scenario.

Browns could take advantage of Taylen Green’s talent with a special role

Green brings a combination of traits that separates him from Cleveland’s other quarterbacks. The 6-foot-6 rookie recorded an impressive 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and showcased his explosiveness during the preseason.

His most impressive performance came against the New England Patriots , when he escaped from his own end zone and turned a play that appeared to be a disaster into a 30-yard run. Green finished that game with 66 rushing yards on eight attempts and led a 98-yard touchdown drive.

His combination of size, speed, and athletic ability could make him an ideal option for short-yardage situations or specialized offensive packages designed specifically to take advantage of his running ability.

Head coach Todd Monken avoided confirming whether Green will have a special role during games, although he also did not reveal his plans.

“I don’t know yet. We’re not really there, but I liked what I saw in the game,” Monken explained on August 31.

Green himself said the coaching staff has not yet discussed the possibility of having a specific offensive package for him.

“No, not yet. It’s the first day after making the 53-man roster, so we’re just taking it day by day,” he said.

If Cleveland decides to use Green on designed running plays, keeping three quarterbacks active could create a problem because of roster limitations on game day. One possible solution would be to make Green Watson’s direct backup and leave Sanders as the emergency quarterback.

In that scenario, Sanders would only enter the game if Watson and Green were unable to continue.

Shedeur Sanders is still viewed as the top option behind Watson

Despite the possibility of a change, Sanders is still considered by many within Cleveland to be the Browns’ primary backup.

Monken described the competition for the job as very close before choosing Watson as the starter, who will play in his first regular-season game since suffering a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024.

The roster moves also supported that perception. Dillon Gabriel was placed on injured reserve with a back injury, leaving Watson, Sanders, and Green as the three quarterbacks available on the active roster.

Additionally, Cleveland’s official depth chart still lists Sanders ahead of Green.

During his rookie season, Sanders posted a 3-4 record as a starter in seven games, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The quarterback remained in the battle for the starting job for much of training camp but ultimately could not beat out Watson.

If Sanders is inactive against Jacksonville, questions will grow about his true role within Cleveland’s plans. However, the decision would not necessarily mean that Green has permanently passed him on the depth chart.

It could simply be a strategic decision based on the different tools each quarterback can provide on game day.