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When Joe Flacco was traded for Cincinnati Bengals, it seemed obvious that Cleveland Browns would move Shedsur Sanders into the depth card to back up the Dillon Gabriel at the Quarterback position on the way into week 6.
That was until the 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 their game against Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the line with review in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Imag photos)
“Well, first I wanted to tell you that the Joe trade surprised us,” Stefanski began. “It wasn’t something we saw. You know they called us and it happened very quickly and happened not too long ago. So what was still working through all the guard types of things. I always have to pay attention to our players and our player’s development and I want to make sure I always do it best for our players and of course, our team.
“You have to think long and hard on it because these are young players that you are so invested in their development. So I will let the week play out and make a decision later.”
Browns’ shedur Sanders responds to Joe Flacco -Handel: ‘I’m just happy for him’
So there’s still a chance that Sanders will be promoted to Backup Quarterback. But Browns also have Quarter -quarterback Bailey Zappe on their depth cards. Based on Stefanski’s response, zap could also be considered for the backup role.
Stefanski referred to Zappe as “oldest statesman right now” considering his history of starting games to New England Patriots. He also mentioned that Deshaun Watson also delivers some leadership despite being unable to play this season.
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks at against Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field. (KYLE ROSS/IMAGN -PICTURES)
Last week, Stefanski went to get Gabriel, who were taken two rounds in front of Sanders back in April, got his first NFL start in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Flacco had thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions through four games as Cleveland went 1-3 over this period, led to a quarterback change.
Gabriel threw two touchdowns in his first start, but the Vikings gathered late to beat Browns, 21-17, when Cleveland fell to 1-4. But even with his bench, Flacco was backup during the London game when Sanders remained the third-string quarterback on the depth card.
However, Stefanski said he has been happy with his young signal callers and how they improve.
“This is not a group that you need to develop to do extra, whether in the weight room, in the meeting room, out in the fields,” he explained. “We really push these guys to improve, and I see that from Shedur, I see it from all these young guys who are the fun part for us as a coach- to see a lot of the work you put on that emerge and how these guys appear.”
Cleveland Brown’s main coach Kevin Stefanski is watching while warming up before an NFL football match during the Forsy season against Carolina Panthers Friday 8. August 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Sanders himself has not vocally commented on getting stuck in the third string last week when he pantomimized when asked about it instead. However, he responded to the Flacco trade.
“I’m just fond of him,” Sanders said.
