The Cleveland Browns have officially elevated rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the No. 2 position for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This announcement came from head coach Kevin Stefanski on Friday, following the recent trade of Joe Flacco.
Browns’ Quarterback Depth Chart
With the departure of Flacco earlier this week, the Browns now have two active quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel has been named the starting quarterback, while Sanders steps in as his backup.
Shedeur Sanders: Development and Readiness
- Shedeur Sanders was the emergency No. 3 quarterback for the first five games of the season.
- He expressed confidence in his readiness to play, stating he feels prepared for any opportunity that arises.
- Sanders emphasized his eagerness to contribute and learn through his experiences with the team.
Coach Stefanski has described Sanders as a developmental prospect, indicating that the team is focused on nurturing his talent.
Past and Present Quarterback Comparisons
The Browns also have Bailey Zappe on their practice squad, but he will not be active unless promoted before the game. Zappe started in last year’s season finale and has made a total of nine career starts.
Dillon Gabriel, who will lead the team as the 41st starting quarterback in the Browns’ modern franchise era, will become the 15th quarterback to start in Pittsburgh. The Browns face a challenging history in this matchup, having lost 21 consecutive regular-season games at the Steelers’ home turf.
Historical Context
The last time the Browns secured a regular-season victory in Pittsburgh was back on October 5, 2003. Despite this history, the team won a playoff game against the Steelers following the 2020 season.
As the Browns prepare for this key matchup, both Gabriel and Sanders will aim to turn the tide against their rivals and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
