When the Cleveland Browns added rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to their injury report ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots, the trade theories on social media came in fast and furious.
Over the course of the last week, Sanders’ name became a popular one in trade speculation with Deshaun Watson reportedly expected to return from an Achilles injury sometime soon.
Sanders was linked to the New York Jets as part of a potential return for star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and his name was floated by several team and NFL insiders as one to watch should the Browns try and pull of any big-picture moves.
More Football: Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy Hit With NFL Punishment Before Commanders Game
However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com shut those rumors down on Saturday, reporting that Sanders is not on the trade block and the team is not listening to offers for the Colorado alum.
“Social media speculation ran rampant on Saturday when the Browns added Sanders to the injury report as questionable for the Patriots game with back tightness,” Cabot wrote. “But the soreness is legitimate, and the Browns have no plans to trade Sanders, even though he’s not getting any first-team reps in practice, and might not see the field for a while.”
More Football: Cowboys’ George Pickens Hit With Costly NFL Fine After Commanders Game
More Football: Dolphins May Already Have Mike McDaniel Replacement In Mind
Sanders had been Cleveland’s No. 2 QB behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel until Sunday, when he was listed as inactive with his back injury.
Third-stringer Bailey Zappe was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game and promoted to the No. 2 QB. It’s expected when Sanders is healthy that he will resume his role as QB2 and Zappe will head back to the practice squad.
Gabriel’s numbers haven’t been bad since taking over as the starter after the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, but they haven’t been great either.
The 24-year-old Oregon alum has thrown for 546 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions with an 82.5 passer rating. Cleveland is 1-2 in those games.
Many believe if Gabriel struggles again Sunday against the Patriots that the Browns could use the following week’s bye to prepare Sanders for his first career start against the Jets the following week.
More Football: Ravens Make Major QB Change After Lamar Jackson Return Date Revealed