Cleveland Browns’ offensive shake-up could speed up Shedeur Sanders’ path to a start. The Browns have given play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees instead of head coach Kevin Stefanski, and one insider views this move as favoring the rookie quarterback.
Ken Carman from 92.3 The Fan believes the change directly benefits Sanders. “If you have 4 quarterbacks in a competition, the head coach can’t keep an eye on all of them,” Carman explained. He assumes Rees spent more time “working with the younger quarterbacks, working with Dillon Gabriel, working with Shedeur Sanders.”
“If you have 4 QBs in a competition, the head coach can’t watch all of them. I imagine Tommy Rees was working with the younger QBs… You know what makes them comfortable.”@KenCarman on why a play caller change might be beneficial for #Browns rookie QBs🏈 pic.twitter.com/FER7pPqYq7
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 4, 2025
The insider predicts fans will see Sanders on the field soon. “You are going to see Shedeur Sanders at some point here,” Carman said. “Unless his back is that locked up, and he goes on IR. You are going to see Shedeur at some point this season.”
Carman believes Sanders has built comfort with Rees through their practice sessions. That existing relationship should help the rookie adjust faster when he gets his chance. Rees already knows Sanders’ strengths better than anyone else on the coaching staff.
However, a back injury complicates Sanders’ immediate future. He sat out Week 8 as inactive before the team’s Week 9 bye. Stefanski confirmed Monday that Sanders still couldn’t practice due to the lingering issue.
“Yeah, still dealing with the back injury, but getting better,” Stefanski said about his rookie quarterback. The coach expressed disappointment that Sanders couldn’t play in Week 8 despite hoping he would recover quickly.
Sanders disagreed with the severity assessment after Week 8. He claimed his back wasn’t a major problem and that sitting out wasn’t his decision. “I guarantee I’m going to be good,” Sanders stated confidently about his health status. He also hints at potentially starting after the bye week.
Cleveland bet the bye week would reset Sanders’ timeline. Stefanski expected him to be ready as the Week 10 backup against the Jets, noting that the injury surfaced late and the team believed he might still be able to suit up before doctors ruled him out.
Kevin Stefanski Steps Back From Calling Plays
Cleveland’s offensive struggles forced Stefanski to make a significant change. The head coach announced he’s giving up play-calling duties after the bye week. Rees will handle those responsibilities moving forward.
“On play-calling, I’m going to have Tommy (Rees) call the plays on offense,” Stefanski confirmed Monday. He explained that he constantly evaluates “what can we do better” to improve the struggling unit.
Stefanski expressed complete trust in his coordinator’s abilities. “I have a ton of trust and faith in Tommy. He’s more than capable, so excited for him,” the coach said. He emphasized that the entire offense needs to improve collectively regardless of who calls plays.
The Browns offense has struggled badly this season. Gabriel remains the starter despite inconsistent performances. The team hoped Sanders might provide a spark eventually, but his back injury delayed those plans.
Cleveland enters Week 10 as a 1.5-point underdog on the road against New York. The Jets matchup could provide an opportunity to see what Sanders offers if his back cooperates. Rees will make his debut as play-caller during that game.
Sanders hasn’t appeared in any NFL game yet this season. The rookie’s development has stalled while dealing with the back problem. Getting healthy becomes his top priority before competing for playing time.
The coaching change creates intrigue about Cleveland’s quarterback future. Rees may push harder to get Sanders involved, as he has worked closely with the rookie. That relationship could prove valuable as the season progresses.
