Browns Name Shedeur Sanders as Backup QB Against Steelers

On Friday, Kevin Stefanski, the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, shared that Shedeur Sanders will step up as the backup quarterback for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This change follows the Browns’ recent trade of Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, which opens a door for Sanders to be part of the active roster for the first time in his career. Up until now, he’s been serving as the emergency third-string quarterback during the first five games of the season.

Flacco had a tough run with the Browns, managing only one win in four starts, completing just over 58 percent of his passes, amounting to 815 yards, alongside two touchdowns and six interceptions. Eventually, he was replaced by Dillon Gabriel. In Week 5, Flacco took a backseat as the team’s backup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Interestingly, there was some speculation when Stefanski didn’t immediately confirm if Sanders would take over as quarterback or if practice squad QB Bailey Zappe might be promoted instead. Zappe had started in the last game of the 2024 season.

On Thursday, Sanders expressed his enthusiasm about the chance to support Dillon Gabriel in this new role.

“I feel like I have a strong mental game,” Sanders mentioned in a recent interview. “It’s kind of exciting when there’s that light at the end of the tunnel… Whatever role I play, I’m genuinely grateful to be here.”

Gabriel had his first career start in a close game against the Vikings last week, which the team lost 21-17. He completed about 57 percent of his passes, totaling 190 yards and two touchdowns in that match.

The Browns, currently holding a record of 1-4, are set to face the Steelers on the road this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.