Notes: 'Rocket' Sanders lands with Browns, running back digs into playbook

BEREA — The "Rocket" has landed. He's quickly getting up to speed.One day after being claimed off waivers by the Browns, running back Raheim "Rocket" Sanders spent Thursday introducing himself to teammates, processing new plays and becoming familiar with his surroundings."I'm learning everything right now," he said with a smile following his first practice.It's been a whirlwind few days for the chiseled 6-foot, 230-pound back who spent the summer in training camp with the Los Angeles Chargers. Needing depth as they await some kind of resolution with rookie Quinshon Judkins, the Browns nabbed Sanders, who went undrafted but made an impression during his time with the Chargers.Sanders was waived as they clipped their roster to 53. He expected to re-sign on their practice squad before the Browns intervened and presented a new chance."I didn't get cut," Sanders said when asked if the Chargers' decision surprised him. "I was going to make a stamp even if I was on a practice squad. My main thing was just getting the opportunity, and I feel like I got an opportunity there and I took advantage of whatever that came."After flying from California to Ohio on Wednesday night, Sanders arrived at the Browns headquarters, got handed a jersey, shoulder pads, orange helmet and a playbook he'll dig into during the long holiday weekend."I'm just taking it a day at a time," he said. "My first day here, trying to get the offense down. I'm not worried about the Bengals (season opener) right now. I'm worrying about getting ready for this offense and learning and just learning everybody's names and everything like that."His nickname came naturally.While growing up in Florida, his Pop Warner team was named the Rockets and there was no one faster than Sanders on their roster."The head coach actually gave me that name and then I just rock with it," Sanders said. "I was the back growing up that'd like get the ball and just run straight outside zone. Even if it's inside zone, I run outside zone. So that's how I showed my speed."O CAPTAINS! MY CAPTAINS!Coach Kevin Stefanski began his post-practice availability by revealing the Browns voted Joe Flacco, Myles Garrett, Joel Bitonio, Denzel Ward and Corey Bojorquez as the 2025 team captains.It's the fourth selection for Garrett and Bitonio, second for Ward. Flacco is beginning his first full season with Cleveland, and punter Bojorquez, who has had a strong camp and preseason, is also a Browns captain for the first time."That's a great honor for Corey," Stefanski said. "He's a guy that I think our players know he works very hard at his craft. He's somebody that is accountable to his teammates all the time. Great personality. But I think it says a lot when it's your peers voting for him."HAPPY WITH ZAPPEThe newest Browns quarterback arrived. Or rather an old one returned.Bailey Zappe practiced for the first time since being signed to Cleveland's practice squad. He gives the Browns some added experience and insurance behind Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.Zappe was with the club last season, starting the finale against Baltimore. He knows his way around the team, and Stefanski said he's comfortable having him back."I got to spend a lot of time with Bailey last season," Stefanski said. "Really talented kid. Fits in well, works very hard. A guy that we have been around, we trust."While Zappe's resume might give him a leg up, Stefanski reiterated Sanders will be the emergency QB on gamedays.THE NEW TROOPSAs general manager Andrew Berry continues to tweak the roster, the Browns officially announced the signing of eight players, including Zappe, to the practice squad:** Tackle Logan Brown, a 6-6 rookie from Kansas.** Receiver Malachi Corley, who played nine games with the New York Jets.** Guard Garrett Dellinger, a rookie from LSU picked in the seventh round by Baltimore.** Guard/center Cole Strange, a 2022 first-round pick by New England with 29 career starts.** Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio, a fourth-round pick by Buffalo in 2024.** Cornerback Dom Jones and tight end Brenden Bates, who were on Cleveland's original 53-man roster before being waived Wednesday.** Defensive tackle Ralph Holley was waived from the practice squad.INJURY REPORTGarrett was on a stationary bike during the portion of practice open to the media, but Stefanski said it was a "rest day" for the superstar.** Center Ethan Pocic (knee) did not practice and his status for the opener remains unclear.** Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (knee surgery) was also held out along with tackle Cornelius Lucas (ankle), tight end Blake Whiteheart (knee) and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (undisclosed injury).The post Notes: 'Rocket' Sanders lands with Browns, running back digs into playbook first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.