The Cleveland Browns elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad after Shedeur Sanders was added to the injury report with back tightness ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots.
Sanders, serving as the No. 2 quarterback behind rookie Dillon Gabriel in recent weeks, was a late addition to the report after developing tightness in his back on Saturday.
In response, the Browns activated Zappe to ensure depth at the position. Cleveland also brought up defensive tackle Sam Kamara from the practice squad.
The team listed Sanders as questionable, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who noted that Zappe’s promotion was “a precaution.”
The #Browns have elevated QB Bailey Zappe from the practice squad and added QB Shedeur Sanders (back) to the injury report. He’s listed as questionable and Zappe was elevated as a precaution.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2025
Following Friday’s practice in Berea, the Browns had already listed tight end David Njoku (knee) and defensive tackle Adin Huntington (concussion protocol) as questionable.
The team will evaluate all three players—Sanders, Njoku, and Huntington—before kickoff at 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
Originally a fourth-round pick in 2022 by New England, Zappe has appeared in 15 career games with nine starts and made one start for the Browns last season. The 2–5 Browns face a 5–2 Patriots team that has won four straight, including three on the road.
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Sanders’ injury opens door for Zappe’s return against former team
Zappe’s activation brings an intriguing twist, as he faces the franchise that first drafted him to potentially replace Tom Brady. Skip Bayless recalled earlier this month,
“Bailey Zappe was once drafted by Bill Belichick to replace Tom Brady. If Belichick loved him, trust me, [Kevin] Stefanski loves him, and he will be elevated.”
Sanders, selected 144th overall out of Colorado, was promoted to backup status after Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 7. Since then, he has been practicing behind Gabriel and managing scout-team duties.
“I feel like now I’m ready,” Sanders said on Oct. 9. “Even not saying I wasn’t ready before, but now I’m ready for whenever my opportunity is.”
Cleveland offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Zappe’s experience and leadership, saying,
“He’s played in this league, he’s been around some really good players and has a wealth of knowledge.”
Zappe’s best career performance also came against Cleveland in 2022, when he threw for 309 yards in a 38–15 Patriots victory—a reminder of what he can deliver if called upon again.
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