In a strategic move, Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback, will assume the backup role to Dillon Gabriel in the upcoming divisional matchup of the Cleveland Browns against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The announcement was made by coach Kevin Stefanski this Friday. Initially, Stefanski had not confirmed whether Sanders, selected in the fifth round, or Bailey Zappe, coming from the practice squad, would be Gabriel’s backup, who was chosen in the third round. This decision comes after Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. Sanders, who began his NFL career as Cleveland’s fourth quarterback, will now hold the backup position.
Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer and Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, has been on the team as the third-string quarterback and emergency quarterback, inactive on game days, for the first five games of the season. Selected 144th overall in this year’s draft, Sanders had few playing opportunities during the summer due to the large number of quarterbacks on the team. However, he managed to make the Browns’ 53-man roster after Cleveland traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and released Tyler Huntley. During the first month of the season, Sanders shared scout team practices with Gabriel and Zappe.I always think about our players and what’s best for them. I want to make sure that, especially with the young players, in the quarterback position, we are intentional in decision-making, and that’s all. I’m excited for all our guys.
Kevin Stefanski
Sanders said on Thursday that he sees “a light at the end of the tunnel” and is grateful for any role assigned to him. Sanders also commented:I think the most important thing is that we all play our role during the week and on Sunday. Obviously, the backup quarterback role is a little different. We’re doing everything we can to support the starter, and then you have to be ready at any moment. That’s the life of backup players at all positions. And we’ve said it here, over the years, that you have to be ready so you don’t have to get ready. But again, that’s our job as coaches and players, to be ready when we’re called upon.
Kevin Stefanski
We will make sure to do everything we can to get Dillon ready for the game. Whatever that means. Every day, even when Joe was the starter, preparing ourselves the right way and being ready to know that you could go out at any moment. I have a lot of confidence in myself. I know that when I got here, I was ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and, whatever decision they make, I agree.
Shedeur Sanders
