Are there any lip readers? Shedeur Sanders refused to answer reporters’ questions about the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback change Wednesday, instead pantomiming his responses without speaking.

The Browns announced they are benching veteran Joe Flacco for rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was also selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Flacco will serve as the backup while Sanders — who was taken two rounds after Gabriel — remains the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart.

When asked about the quarterback change and his role as the third option, Sanders mouthed his answers without making a sound.

Sanders Goes Silent After Recent Criticism

NFL reporter Josina Anderson applauded Sanders for his “non-response” response.

“Good for Shedeur. Coming for more things to criticize? Yes? No? Doesn’t matter. Not today,” Anderson posted on X. “Go talk Dillon Gabriel & Joe Flacco.”

The silent treatment comes after ESPN NFL analyst and former head coach Rex Ryan ripped Sanders earlier this week for saying he could be a starter right now.

“Something’s missing with this kid. This kid talks and he runs his mouth. Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed like this. Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows,” Ryan said on ESPN’s “Get Up” earlier this week. “Quit being an embarrassment that way. You’ve got the talent to be the quarterback, you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”

Sanders’ pantomimed responses may have been an attempt to avoid giving critics more ammunition, but the unusual approach could draw additional scrutiny.

Sanders has yet to make his NFL debut.

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By Matt Higgins
Matt Higgins worked in national and local news for 15 years. He started out as an overnight production assistant ... More about Matt Higgins

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