Summary: Shedeur Sanders Steps into the Backup Role
The Cleveland Browns have designated Shedeur Sanders as the team’s backup quarterback for Sunday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the move during Friday’s press conference, explaining that Sanders will serve behind QB1 Dillon Gabriel as Cleveland navigates the Week 6 clash on the road.
How This Change Unfolded
The move comes in the wake of the Browns’ recent transaction that sent veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. With Flacco out of the building, Cleveland has leaned on Gabriel, a rookie third-round pick this year, as the primary option under center. Sanders, chosen by the Browns in the fifth round at No. 144 overall, ascended to the backup role as the organization evaluated its quarterback depth and long-term plans.
Coach Stefanski’s Rationale
Stefanski emphasized a measured approach to roster decisions, noting that leadership decisions are rooted in doing what’s best for the players and the team’s immediate needs. “In any decision, with the football team, just want to take time and make sure I’m doing what’s right for the players,” Stefanski said, via Cleveland.com columnist Mary Kay Cabot. The comment underscores a careful, player-centered process as Cleveland charts its course through a pivotal season stretch.
Gabriel’s Early Season Performance
Gabriel has faced a challenging start but has shown flashes of potential. In three appearances this season, he’s completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 209 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. In last week’s loss, he completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns, demonstrating the ability to move the offense and execute in the red zone. While the slate is small, the early results for Gabriel have kept him firmly entrenched as Cleveland’s quarterback of the present, with Sanders waiting in the wings for any opportunity that may arise.
What Sanders Brings to the Table
Sanders’ selection represented a developmental investment for the Browns. The organization has long-term aims with a young quarterback room, and Sanders’ progress will be watched closely. As the second quarterback on the 53-man roster, he provides a potential spark—whether in a relief role or as a future starter—should Gabriel’s play or injury status necessitate a change. The Browns have also floated the possibility of adding Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to provide an emergency third option, showing a prudent approach to depth at the most important position on the field.
Week 6 Implications and Beyond
With Sunday’s game underway against a division rival in Pittsburgh, Cleveland’s plan is to lean on Gabriel while keeping Sanders prepared for any early-season contingency. The longer-term outlook for Sanders hinges on how quickly he can translate practice observations into NFL-game-ready performance. If Gabriel excels, Sanders’ workload may remain limited; if struggles surface, the coaching staff could accelerate the learning curve for the fifth-round passer. Either way, Sanders is now officially one play away from possibly stepping into a prominent role.
Context for Browns Fans
For Browns supporters, the situation feels familiar: a young QB with potential waiting in the wings behind a starter who’s still earning his legs in the NFL. The dynamic offers a reminder that the quarterback room is a living, breathing unit, constantly evolving as facts on the ground change—from trades to injuries to real-game performance. The team’s willingness to **develop Sanders** while rewarding Gabriel’s early-season efforts reflects a balanced approach aimed at sustained competitiveness.
Bottom Line
Shedeur Sanders has earned the designation as Cleveland’s backup QB, ready to step in if needed as the Browns prepare for the Steelers. The decision underscores the franchise’s measured approach to quarterback development and depth, acknowledging that in the NFL, one play can redefine a season. For now, Sanders is the understudy, one play away from a future headline that could alter the early trajectory of Cleveland’s 2025 campaign.
