Shedeur Sanders Named QB2 Behind Dillon Gabriel for Browns After Joe Flacco Trade

Shedeur Sanders' spot on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback depth chart was revealed on Friday.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders will serve as Dillon Gabriel's backup heading into an AFC North matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 23-year-old was initially No. 3 on Cleveland's depth chart before veteran Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday.

Sanders' exact spot on the depth chart wasn't immediately clear after the trade, though.

Stefanski was initially noncommittal regarding the 2025 fifth-round pick moving up to the backup spot. While Sanders is the only other passer on the Browns' active roster, they have signal-caller Bailey Zappe on their practice squad.

Sanders opened training camp as Cleveland's No. 4 quarterback before he was elevated after Kenny Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 25.

The rookie discussed his rise up the depth chart on Thursday.

"I'm in a great mental space overall," Sanders said, via Oyefusi. "So I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure. ... Whatever my role is here, I'm thankful. I'm happy just to do that."

Gabriel will remain the Browns' starter against the Steelers after he operated with their first-string offense during a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5.

He finished 19-of-33 for 190 yards and two touchdowns without tossing an interception in the defeat.

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05:30

Kickoff between the Browns and Steelers is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.