The Cleveland Browns are making a roster move ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Bailey Zappe will very likely be activated from the practice squad and serve as the Browns’ QB2 for their Week 17 game.
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Bailey Zappe is expected to be the Browns’ QB2 on SundayCredit: Gettty
This is because rookie backup Dillon Gabriel’s shoulder injury will keep him out of this weekend’s game — after he was booed by fans last week.
When asked on Friday about the prospect of the Browns elevating Zappe, Stefanski told reporters, “I’d say that’s likely, yes.”
Zappe has yet to play a down for the Browns this season as he remains on the fringes of Cleveland’s roster.
Sanders is expected to start on a Sunday despite suffering a finger injury in last weekend’s defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
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He was forced to exit that game but is fully cleared to play against the Steelers this week.
Sanders to be without key playmaker vs Steelers
There is some bad news for Sanders and the Browns.
Stefanski also confirmed that the Browns may be without rookie tight end Harold Fannin.
He was listed as questionable on Friday after suffering an injury in practice.
“Just had something come up, and sometimes injuries happen on a Friday, and you just got to see how it progresses to Sunday,” Stefanski said.
“I think with all players, you let them rehab and their body will tell you, but he’ll do everything he can to be out there.”
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Sanders suffered another injury in practice on Friday, Stefanski confirmedCredit: Getty
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He might also be without his favorite target, Fannin, on SundayCredit: Getty
Although Fannin cut a more optimistic tone when talking to reporters himself.
“I should be good by Sunday,” he said, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “I’m going to be alright.”
Fannin has been Sanders’ favourite target since he became the Brown’s QB1, catching 26 passes over the last five games.
“Obviously the practices, but I feel like us just sitting down talking in the locker room,” Fannin said earlier this month about his relationship with Sanders.
“Seeing how he wants things and seeing how I see things and trying to just meet in the middle really.”
Overall, the tight end has 701 yards on 70 catches with five touchdowns.
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Sanders will start the Browns’ final two games of the seasonCredit: Getty
The Browns have already ruled out veteran tight end David Njoku, who will miss another game with a knee injury.
This will be Sanders’ first start against an AFC North team and the rookie expects a tough battle.
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“I think that they are physical. I like their physicality. I like how they fly around, get to the ball,” Sanders said.
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