Shedeur Sanders Steps Up as Browns Backup Quarterback Against Steelers
In a significant shift for the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback lineup, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that Shedeur Sanders will serve as the backup quarterback when the team faces the Pittsburgh Steelers. This promotion marks Sanders’ first appearance on the active roster after spending the first five games of the season as the emergency third-string quarterback. The opportunity arose following the Browns’ decision to trade veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the week, creating space for Sanders to move up the depth chart. This development represents an important milestone for Sanders, who now stands just one play away from potentially making his NFL debut.
The quarterback situation in Cleveland has been tumultuous this season, contributing to the team’s disappointing 1-4 start. Flacco, who began the season as the starter, struggled significantly during his four-game stint, completing only 58% of his passes while throwing more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (two). These struggles led to Flacco being benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, who made his first NFL start last week in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Though Gabriel’s debut ended in a 21-17 loss, the 24-year-old showed promise, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback carousel continued when Flacco was traded to division rival Cincinnati, opening the door for Sanders to step into a more prominent role.
Sanders himself expressed excitement about his elevated position, telling reporters on Thursday, “I’m in a great mental space overall. I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure… Whatever my role is here, I’m thankful. I’m happy just to do that.” This positive attitude comes despite the uncertainty that surrounded the backup quarterback decision earlier in the week. Stefanski had initially declined to commit to Sanders as Gabriel’s backup on Wednesday, leaving fans to speculate whether practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe, who started the Browns’ season finale last year, might be promoted instead. The coach’s Friday announcement put those questions to rest, confirming Sanders’ new role.
The decision to elevate Sanders represents an intriguing development in the young quarterback’s career path. While he hasn’t yet thrown a pass in a regular-season NFL game, his promotion suggests the Browns’ coaching staff has seen enough progress in practice to trust him as their primary backup. This vote of confidence comes at a crucial time for both Sanders and the organization, as the Browns attempt to salvage their season after a disappointing start. With Gabriel now established as the starter following Flacco’s departure, Sanders has an opportunity to continue his development while remaining ready should his number be called during Sunday’s divisional matchup against Pittsburgh.
The Browns’ quarterback situation reflects broader challenges the team has faced this season. At 1-4, Cleveland finds itself in a difficult position in the competitive AFC North, making Sunday’s game against the 3-1 Steelers particularly important. Pittsburgh has started the season strong, and the matchup will be a significant test for Gabriel in just his second NFL start. Having Sanders ready as the backup adds an interesting dimension to the Browns’ gameplan, though the team surely hopes Gabriel can remain upright and effective throughout the contest. The quarterback shuffle has been just one of several issues plaguing Cleveland in what has thus far been a frustrating campaign.
As the Browns prepare to face the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the quarterback position. While Gabriel takes center stage in his second start, Sanders will be waiting in the wings, prepared for his potential NFL moment. The game represents not just a pivotal divisional matchup for a struggling Browns team, but also an important step in the development of two young quarterbacks trying to establish themselves at the professional level. For Sanders specifically, his elevation to the active roster marks a significant milestone in his journey, regardless of whether he sees playing time against Pittsburgh. As the season progresses, his role could continue to evolve depending on both his development and the team’s overall quarterback situation.
