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By Max Dible
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Cleveland Browns have a handful of rookies driving their competitiveness this season, though quarterback Shedeur Sanders is not yet among them.
Fellow rookie QB Dillon Gabriel became the team's starter ahead of its Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings. But before that, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, defensive tackle Mason Graham, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Quinshon Judkins all earned their spots in the starting lineup.
In fact, the only other rookie the Browns selected in 2025 who isn't a regular starter is running back Dylan Sampson, who has logged just one start but played in all five games this year.
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Sanders opened up about watching every rookie around him in the locker room elevate into starting—or at least somewhat prominent—roles on the team, as he continues to wait for his shot at the field.
"Anytime players that I came in with and that I spend a lot of time with, they get moved up and they able to have a vital role in this offense, in this piece, I get extremely excited for them," Sanders said, per video shared on X by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "And I'm playing through them, you know what I mean? I'm just as excited as them every time they get out there and run a route and everything."
Sanders then spoke directly to Gabriel and his recent ascension to the role of starting quarterback.
"It's just amazing that you start somewhere, and then you're able to evolve and get to a different level and go out there and actually be able to execute it," Sanders continued. "Just like Dillon, whenever he got moved up to QB1, I'm like, 'That's lit bro.' You gotta make sure you handle everything the right way and just continue being him. So, like for me overall, I'm just happy, I'm excited that everybody -- they living their dreams. And I'm living my dream, also."
Sanders also told reporters on Thursday that he was excited about his future with the franchise, particularly because he now sees "light at the end of the tunnel."
His comments came two days after the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, and before head coach Kevin Stefanski has made an official decision between Sanders and veteran Bailey Zappe as to who will be Gabriel's backup quarterback for Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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