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Here’s where it gets interesting. Sanders wasn’t on the injury report initially—he got added late after developing back tightness on Saturday. That’s the kind of last-minute plot twist that makes you wonder if the football gods have a particular grudge against the Browns. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Zappe’s elevation is “a precaution.” But let’s be real—when you’re 2-5 and your backup quarterback suddenly can’t go, precautions become necessities real quick. The irony isn’t lost on anyone that Zappe, a former Patriots draft pick who Bill Belichick once groomed to potentially replace Tom Brady, now returns to Gillette Stadium wearing brown and orange. Life comes at you fast in the NFL. What This Means For Cleveland’s Quarterback Carousel Sanders had been working as the No. 2 behind rookie starter Dillon Gabriel since Joe Flacco got shipped to Cincinnati on October 7. The former Colorado star has been grinding on the scout team, waiting for his shot while Gabriel absorbed all the first-team reps. “I feel like now I’m ready,” Sanders said earlier this month. “Even not saying I wasn’t ready before, but now I’m ready for whenever my opportunity is.” Well, that opportunity might have to wait a bit longer. The Bailey Zappe Factor For those keeping score at home, Zappe has some history with this matchup. His career-best performance came against Cleveland back in 2022, when he torched the Browns for 309 yards in a 38-15 Patriots victory. The football gods do love their storylines. Browns Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees hasn’t been shy about praising Zappe’s veteran presence: “He’s played in this league, he’s been around some really good players and has a wealth of knowledge.” That experience matters when you’re dealing with two rookies learning on the fly. Zappe started eight games for New England over two seasons and appeared in 14 total contests, completing 63.2% of his passes for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Bigger Picture This back injury couldn’t come at a worse time for Sanders. He’s already fighting an uphill battle as a fifth-round pick trying to prove he belongs in Cleveland’s plans. Any setback—physical or otherwise—narrows an already tight window of opportunity. The Browns face a Patriots team riding a four-game winning streak, including three straight road victories. New England sits at 5-2 while Cleveland continues to search for answers at 2-5. Not exactly the ideal scenario for quarterback experimentation. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will make a final decision on Sanders’ status before the 1 p.m. kickoff. Also questionable for Cleveland: Tight End David Njoku (knee) and Defensive Tackle Adin Huntington (concussion protocol). Just another day at the office for a team that can’t seem to catch a break. What’s Next? The Browns elevated Defensive Tackle Sam Kamara from the practice squad alongside Zappe, giving them some flexibility on both sides of the ball. But make no mistake—all eyes will be on the quarterback situation when Cleveland takes the field Sunday afternoon. If Sanders can’t go, Gabriel better hope his protection holds up better than it did against Pittsburgh in Week 6. If Sanders does suit up but remains on the sideline, the rookie watch continues. And if Zappe somehow ends up under center? Well, stranger things have happened in Cleveland. For a team desperately seeking stability at the most important position in sports, this latest development is just another reminder that the Browns’ quarterback carousel keeps spinning—whether anyone wants it to or not.
