Overview

• The Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals, confirmed Dillon Gabriel as the starter and left the No. 2 job open for Week 6 in Pittsburgh.
• Coach Kevin Stefanski said he will decide late in the week, with practice-squad veteran Bailey Zappe eligible for a Saturday elevation under NFL rules.
• An unofficial team depth chart lists Shedeur Sanders as the presumptive QB2, though the club has not formalized the role and Sanders has yet to take a regular-season snap.
• Sanders said he feels ready, is focused on helping Gabriel prepare and drew praise from OC Tommy Rees for steady improvement and preparation.
• External pressure has mounted, with analyst Ryan Clark and writer Jason Lloyd urging a cut or trade if Sanders is not the backup and insider Tony Grossi noting added pressure on Gabriel.