Overview

• Following Joe Flacco’s trade to the Bengals, Stefanski said he will let the week play out before naming a No. 2 for Sunday in Pittsburgh, keeping options open between Shedeur Sanders and practice-squad veteran Bailey Zappe.
• Zappe would need to be elevated by Saturday to dress as the game-day backup, while Sanders has been the inactive emergency quarterback through the first five games.
• Sanders, who has yet to take a regular-season snap, told reporters he sees a light at the end of the tunnel and emphasized helping Gabriel prepare while staying ready for his own opportunity.
• Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Sanders’ growth, citing improved familiarity with the offense and week-to-week preparation despite limited reps.
• National voices including Shannon Sharpe and Ryan Clark criticized Cleveland’s handling of Sanders, and columnist Jason Lloyd urged the team to cut or trade him, underscoring the franchise’s ongoing quarterback turbulence.