The Cleveland Browns brought in nine players on Labor Day to work out for the team ahead of the Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. One of those players was a quarterback, Connor Bazelak. That is a bit of a shocking move, even if Dillon Gabriel is on the reserve/injured list with a designation to return.
It appeared with Deshaun Watson named as the starter, Shedeur Sanders was expected to serve as the primary backup, with rookie Taylen Green working as the No. 3 option, perhaps with some packages in-game for his running ability. But, like usual, there is drama in Cleveland, and it surrounds the quarterback’s room.
Connor Bazelak Heads up List of Players Working out for Team
The former Bowling Green and Mizzou signal caller, Connor Bazelak, was one of the bigger names of the players brought in Monday. He was one of the final roster cuts by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the preseason.
While Gabriel will have to miss at least the first four regular-season games, forcing him out until early October at the earliest, it was believed that the Browns were still more than fine with Watson, Sanders and Green.
The other players the team brought in include wide receivers Cam Camper, Quentin Skinner and E.J. Williams, which might indicate that wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who has been recovering from a concussion since late August, might not be ready.
The team also hosted tight ends Cody Hardy and Layne Pryor, as well as running back Lucas Scott, defensive end Nadame Tucker and defensive tackle Zion Wilson. All of the other players make sense, even if only to kick the tires and see if there are any slight upgrades at those respective positions. The strange inclusion was Bazelak.
Is There Trouble in the Quarterbacks Room?
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
What is this team doing? Might Sanders finally be on the move to another organization right before the season? Is that behavior issue with Sanders, as there has been some talk that Sanders might be dropped down to the No. 3 spot, with Green working as the primary backup, mostly for those aforementioned packages and his running ability. It’s all very strange, to be honest.
If you’re a Cleveland fan, you know it’s always something. There just never seems to be any period of tranquility. In fact, it’s a bit maddening. Watching Browns football is supposed to be a source of entertainment after working hard all week. It almost seems like a second job with no benefits.
