Following the Cleveland Browns’ trade of Joe Flacco on Tuesday, many speculated that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was poised to take on a more prominent role, potentially even as the team’s second-string quarterback. However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski appeared to pump the brakes on that notion. During a media appearance Wednesday, Stefanski remained circumspect about who would serve as Dillon Gabriel’s backup, indicating he would exercise patience in reaching a decision.
Stefanski’s remarks came during his Wednesday media session. Following his opening statement, the first question posed to Stefanski centered on whether Sanders would be designated as the team’s No. 2 quarterback for the upcoming Sunday game.
He refrained from providing a definitive answer, stating instead that he wanted to “let the week unfold” before finalizing that determination.
Stefanski reiterated this perspective on several occasions during Wednesday’s media availability. When questioned about potential drawbacks to elevating Sanders to the No. 2 role, Stefanski emphasized his confidence in every player on the roster while also expressing a desire to “position our players for optimal success.”
A report surfaced Saturday from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, suggesting the Browns were hesitant to place themselves in a scenario where Sanders might be thrust into action, potentially having to execute a game plan tailored for Gabriel. If Sanders were to occupy the No. 2 spot, he would be one injury away from taking the field, precisely the situation the Browns were hoping to avoid.
It’s worth noting that this report preceded the Flacco trade. So, the team’s thinking might have changed in the intervening days, especially considering Gabriel’s performance during their Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
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With Flacco’s departure, Stefanski did not express complete clarity on how the team would manage the backup quarterback situation. When asked if Sanders would receive a portion of starting reps in practice — a practice previously afforded to Gabriel before his starter selection — Stefanski sidestepped a direct answer, saying he would “work through all aspects.”
Stefanski also declined to specify the number of quarterbacks the team intended to carry into Week 6, deeming it “premature” to make that call. In addition to Gabriel and Sanders, the Browns have veteran Bailey Zappe available on their practice squad.
Stefanski stopped short of confirming whether Zappe, who boasts nine career starts, including one for the Browns last season, would be elevated. He also didn’t reveal whether the team would pursue external options if they opted to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster.
Prior to Tuesday’s trade, which Stefanski conceded came as a surprise, Sanders primarily served as the team’s No. 3 emergency quarterback on game days. In the lead-up to each game, Sanders’ name appeared on the team’s inactive list. The only circumstance under which he could enter a game in that capacity was if both quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart sustained injuries. That specific scenario has not materialized this season.
With Flacco no longer on the team, many assumed that Sanders would finally be active for an NFL game in Week 6. There was a fleeting moment Tuesday where Sanders looked to be the team’s No. 2 quarterback. However, the team’s official website did not list a starter at the position Wednesday, placing Gabriel second and Sanders third.
By the end of the week, the team should offer greater clarity on the situation. Until then, Stefanski intends to take his time and thoroughly assess the position before making any definitive announcements.
