Rising behind a Week 6 Challenge
The Cleveland Browns will head into their Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a familiar-but-still-developing dynamic at quarterback. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Shedeur Sanders will serve as the team’s backup quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel. The move comes after Cleveland dealt veteran Joe Flacco to the Bengals earlier in the week, reshaping the quarterback room for an important divisional test.
How the Backup Role Came to Be
Sanders, selected No. 144 overall in the fifth round of this year’s draft, has quickly moved up the depth chart. With Gabriel entrenched as the starter, the Browns have positioned Sanders as the clear No. 2 as they evaluate their options for the rest of the season. Stefanski emphasized the importance of doing what’s best for the players and the team, noting the cautious approach in roster management as Cleveland prepares for a critical AFC North game.
Roster Considerations
Right now, Sanders is the only quarterback on the 53-man roster aside from Gabriel. That leaves Cleveland with limited emergency options, though the club could consider signing practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe to provide a third, more flexible contingency. The decision will hinge on what the team views as the most prudent path at a position that has already seen shuffles this season.
Gabriel’s Early Work and Sanders’ Path
Gabriel has shown flashes through three appearances this season. In last week’s game, he completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns, underscoring his potential to lead the offense. Yet the Browns have been deliberate in evaluating how to deploy him, particularly in a season where growth and development are priorities. Sanders, meanwhile, remains a developmental option who could be called upon if the situation calls for it later in the year.
What Week 6 Means for Cleveland
From a strategic standpoint, Sanders’ designation as backup keeps the Browns prepared for any contingency without compromising Gabriel’s development. The Week 6 opponent, a divisional rival, adds extra pressure to execute a game plan that can maximize the starting quarterback’s strengths while preserving the offense’s long-term trajectory. If Gabriel performs well, Sanders’ role could stay limited to mop-up duty or specialized packages. If opportunities arise due to injury or performance, the rookie from the fifth round could see more time on the field in 2025.
Looking Ahead
The Browns traded up to select Sanders in the later rounds, signaling a long-term interest in his development. As the season progresses, Cleveland will monitor not only Gabriel’s consistency but also how Sanders progresses in practice, in meetings, and in any limited on-field opportunities. The coaching staff’s measured approach reflects a franchise that is balancing immediate needs with a forward-looking plan for quarterback depth.
Why It Matters for Browns Fans
For Browns supporters, the Sanders-Gabriel duo represents a blend of potential and patience. Week 6 presents a tangible test for Gabriel, with Sanders as a trusted understudy ready to step in if needed. The dynamic mirrors the broader NFL theme of preparing young players for meaningful roles while maintaining competitiveness in a demanding division.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this quarterback pair evolves and how the coaching staff sculpted around it adapts to the challenges ahead in a league where every game carries high stakes.
