Sanders will be Gabriel’s backup vs. Steelers: Browns define QB2

In a recent announcement, Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Shedeur Sanders will be the backup quarterback for Sunday’s divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dillon Gabriel will be the starting quarterback in the game. Stefanski initially hadn’t confirmed whether Sanders, a fifth-round pick, or Bailey Zappe, a practice squad quarterback, would be Gabriel’s backup, following Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. Sanders now assumes the backup role after starting his NFL career as Cleveland’s fourth quarterback.

I’m always thinking about our players and what’s best for them. I want to make sure that when it comes to young football players, particularly at the quarterback position, we are intentional with our decisions, and that’s really it. So, I’m excited for all our guys.

Kevin Stefanski

Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, has spent the first five games of the season as the team’s third-string quarterback and emergency quarterback, inactive on game days. Sanders, selected 144th overall in this year’s draft, had few 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 Kenny Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Tyler Huntley was released. During the first month of the season, Sanders shared scout team practices with Gabriel and Zappe.

I think the important thing is that we all play our role during the week and on Sunday. And obviously, that backup quarterback role is a little different. We are 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 in 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, as players, to be ready when we are called upon.

Kevin Stefanski

Sanders said on Thursday that he sees a “light at the end of the tunnel” and that he is grateful for any role assigned to him. “We will make sure to do everything we can to get Dillon ready for the game,” Sanders said. “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.”