Overview

• Head coach Kevin Stefanski named Shedeur Sanders the backup for Sunday in Pittsburgh behind starter Dillon Gabriel.
• The decision followed Cleveland’s trade of veteran Joe Flacco to the Bengals, which opened an active-roster spot.
• Sanders had been the emergency No. 3 quarterback and inactive through five games without a regular-season snap.
• Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said the promotion aligns with a measured plan and reflects Sanders’ week-to-week improvement.
• Sanders pledged to avoid negativity and focus on supporting Gabriel, while outside chatter about a possible trade remains unconfirmed speculation.