NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
With Joe Flacco being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, it seemed obvious that the Cleveland Browns would move Shedeur Sanders up the depth chart to back up Dillon Gabriel at quarterback heading into Week 6.
That was until head coach Kevin Stefanski refused to confirm it Wednesday during his press conference.
Stefanski was asked if Sanders would be his “number two” behind Gabriel heading into the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)
“Well, the first thing I would tell you is that the Joe trade took us by surprise,” Stefanski began. “That wasn’t something we saw coming. You know, they called us, and it happened very quickly, and it happened not too long ago. So I continue to work on all kinds of things on the roster. I always have to be aware of our players and their development and I want to make sure that I’m always doing the best for our players and, of course, our team. But with the young players, I’m always thinking about last week, making the move to Dillon (Gabriel).
“You have to think a lot about that, because these are young players that you are very involved in their development. So I’ll let the week go by and make a decision later.”
BROWNS’ SHEDEUR SANDERS REACTS TO JOE FLACCO TRADE: ‘I’M JUST HAPPY FOR HIM’
Therefore, there is still a chance Sanders will be promoted to backup quarterback. But the Browns also have practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe on their depth chart. Based on Stefanski’s response, Zappe could also be considered for the backup role.
Stefanski referred to Zappe as the “elder statesman right now” given his history starting games for the New England Patriots. He also mentioned that Deshaun Watson is also providing some leadership despite not being able to play this season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Kyle Ross/Image Images)
Stefanski made the decision last week to have Gabriel, who was taken two rounds ahead of Sanders in April, make his first NFL start in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Flacco had thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions in four games as Cleveland went 1-3 in that span, leading to a quarterback change.
Gabriel threw two touchdowns in his first start, but the Vikings rallied late to beat the Browns, 21-17, as Cleveland fell to 1-4. But even with his benching, Flacco was the backup during the London game while Sanders remained the third quarterback on the depth chart.
Stefanski, however, said he is pleased with his young interlocutors and how they are improving.
“This is not a group that needs to be encouraged to do more, whether it’s in the weight room, the meeting room or on the field,” he explained. “We’re really pushing these guys to get better, and I see it in Shedeur, I see it in all these young guys, which is the fun part for us as coaches: seeing a lot of the work you’re doing and how these guys are performing.”
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski looks on during warmups before an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Sanders himself has not openly commented on being stuck on the top rope last week, as he pantomimed when asked about it. However, he reacted to the Flacco trade.
“I’m happy for him,” Sanders said.
