Daniel Oyefusi
BEREA, Ohio — Rookie Shedeur Sanders would be the backup quarterback to starter Dillon Gabriel on Sunday within the Cleveland Browns' divisional street recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers, coach Kevin Stefanski introduced Friday.
Stefanski was initially noncommittal on whether or not Sanders, a fifth-round choose, or follow squad quarterback Bailey Zappe would again up Gabriel, a third-round choose, within the aftermath of Cleveland buying and selling Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. Sanders now finds himself within the backup position after starting his NFL profession as Cleveland's No. 4 quarterback.
“I am at all times fascinated by our gamers and what's finest for our gamers,” Stefanski stated. “And I need to ensure that in relation to younger soccer gamers, significantly on the quarterback place, that you're intentional about your decision-making, and that is actually all it's. So, excited for all our guys.”
Sanders, the son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer and Colorado soccer coach Deion Sanders, has spent the primary 5 video games of the season because the workforce's No. 3 and emergency quarterback who's inactive on recreation days. The 144th total choose on this yr's draft, Sanders acquired restricted reps amid a crowded quarterback room through the summer season. However he made the Browns' 53-man roster as Cleveland traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and launched Tyler Huntley. Via the primary month of the season, Sanders break up scout workforce reps with Gabriel and Zappe.
“I feel the large factor there may be all of us play our position all through the week and on Sunday,” Stefanski stated. “And clearly that backup quarterback position is a bit bit totally different. We're doing every part we will to assist the starter, after which you must be prepared in a second's discover. That is simply the lifetime of backup gamers at each place. And we have stated that right here, through the years, that you must keep prepared so you do not have to prepare. However once more, that is our job as coaches, as gamers, to be prepared when known as upon.”
Sanders on Thursday stated that he sees a “mild on the finish of the tunnel” and that he is grateful for no matter position he's given.
“We're going to verify we do every part we will to verify Dillon's prepared for the sport,” Sanders stated. “No matter which means. Each day, even when Joe was the starter, getting ready the correct means and be able to know that you possibly can get on the market at any cut-off date. I am overly assured inside myself. I do know once I first acquired right here, I am able to play, however it's as much as the coaches, and no matter resolution they make then, I am nice with.”
