BEREA, Ohio – In a significant announcement, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that rookie Shedeur Sanders will serve as the backup quarterback to starter Dillon Gabriel this Sunday during the Cleveland Browns' divisional road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision comes after the Browns traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this week, leaving a crucial vacancy in the team's quarterback lineup.
Stefanski had previously been uncertain about whether Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, or practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe would step into the backup role. However, with this latest update, Sanders transitions from being the team's No. 4 quarterback at the start of the season to now taking on the vital backup position. "I'm always thinking about our players and what's best for our players," Stefanski remarked. "And I want to make sure when it comes to young football players, particularly at the quarterback position, that you are intentional about your decision-making."
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and current Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, has spent the initial five games of the season primarily as the team's No. 3 and emergency quarterback, often inactive on game days. Drafted as the 144th overall pick this year, Sanders faced stiff competition within a crowded quarterback room during the preseason. Despite this, he secured a place on the Browns' 53-man roster after the team traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and released Tyler Huntley.
Throughout the first month of the season, Sanders shared scout-team reps with both Gabriel and Zappe. "I think the big thing there is all of us play our role throughout the week and on Sunday," Stefanski explained. "And obviously that backup quarterback role is a little bit different. We're doing everything we can to support the starter, and then you have to be ready in a moment's notice. That's just the life of backup players at every position."
Stefanski emphasized the need for players to stay prepared, stating, "You have to stay ready so you don't have to get ready." This philosophy has been a cornerstone of the Browns' approach over the years. Sanders also echoed this sentiment during a press conference on Thursday, expressing optimism about his new role. "I see a light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "We're going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon's ready for the game, whatever that means."
He added, "Even when Joe was the starter, preparing the right way and being ready to know that you could get out there at any point in time is crucial. I'm overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I'm ready to play, but it's up to the coaches, and whatever decision they make, then I'm fine with."
As the Browns prepare for their matchup against the Steelers, all eyes will be on Sanders as he steps into his new role. The transition marks a significant moment in his NFL career, and fans are eager to see how the young quarterback will perform in this crucial backup position.
