CLEVELAND (AP) — Coach Kevin Stefanski defended his handling of Shedeur Sanders’ development after the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback struggled in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams.
Stefanski addressed claims that he was deliberately hindering Sanders’ progress, particularly after replacing him with Tyler Huntley, who led the game-winning drive.
“I don’t concern myself with outside types of things, but I’m committed to his development, just like all of our rookies,” Stefanski said. “We’ll continue to focus on getting our guys better, and that’s what we’ll stay committed to, and that’s what’s important to me.”
Stefanski was criticized for not letting Sanders attempt a potential game-winning drive in the final two minutes, as well as for playing the fifth-round pick in the second half, when both teams played their third- and fourth-string units.
The Browns went three-and-out on four of five series with Sanders under center. He completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards.
Sanders suffered an oblique injury Aug. 13 during a joint workout with the Eagles. He said it was tender but not a factor.
Joe Flacco, who will start the Sept. 7 opener against Cincinnati, could empathize with Sanders having a rough game.
“That’s part of being a rookie. You’re going to get thrown into situations that maybe you don’t think are ideal,” Flacco said. “It’s part of what makes a football player, is learning how to deal with those situations and learn from them.”
Among the reasons Sanders dropped to the 144th pick were his footwork and repeated errors. One example was when he took a 24-yard sack early in the fourth quarter.
It turned out to be a rough weekend for Sanders and his brother in preseason games.
Along with Shedeur’s struggles, Shilo Sanders was ejected in Tampa Bay’s game against Buffalo and was reportedly waived on Sunday.
Huntley came in with 2:03 remaining and drove Cleveland 46 yards in six plays, culminating in Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal as time expired in a 19-17 victory over the Rams.
Huntley, who started five games for Miami last season, was signed Aug. 5 after injuries depleted the Browns’ quarterback depth. The six-year veteran was the only Cleveland QB to play all three preseason games but was among 21 players released Sunday as the Browns trimmed their roster to 53.
“We just felt that if we could get him some action in that last game, we were going to do that. He’s done a really nice job for us over the last few weeks and just put him out there,” Stefanski said of Huntley.
Cameras caught Sanders frustrated on the Browns’ sideline after being told he was done for the day. He asked to return, but Stefanski shook his head, adding to the controversy.
“I think all of our guys are extremely competitive and want to be out there for every play. So, I never want a player to be less competitive,” Stefanski said.
Sanders completed 17 of 29 for 152 yards and two touchdowns in two games. He will now work as the scout team quarterback, practicing against the Browns’ first-team defense.
“I’m happy I get to go against the first-team defense every day in practice now. I get to sharpen my craft and do everything I can to be the best player,” he said.
General manager Andrew Berry told NFL Network after Saturday’s game the Browns are comfortable keeping four quarterbacks.
“Honestly, it’s not much of a decision for us. … We have a room that we like all the guys in there,” he said. “We don’t really see that as a problem. We more see it as an opportunity.”
Flacco is the starter and Sanders is at fourth string. The backup spot between Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel remains undecided.
Stefanski said on Sunday that Pickett is likely to be available for the opener after dealing with a hamstring issue for the past four weeks.
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