The Cleveland Browns made a shakeup at quarterback this week, but Shedeur Sanders' spot didn't budge.
Videos by FanBuzz
Getty Images
Dillon Gabriel has been elevated to QB1 and Joe Flacco slides down to QB2, yet Sanders remains at the bottom of the depth chart.
That's notable given Sanders' recent comments about believing he can outperform some NFL quarterbacks playing right now. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski clearly doesn't agree — at least not yet. He was asked Monday why Sanders wasn't moving up behind Gabriel.
"Joe's the backup," Stefanski said, via Pro Football Talk.
When pressed with a follow-up about Sanders, Stefanski didn't elaborate. "My focus is on this game. Joe's the backup," he repeated.
The message was clear: Sanders isn't in the mix right now.
The rookie quarterback has made headlines for his confidence, but he hasn't made a push to move up the depth chart in Cleveland's eyes. Gabriel now has the starting job, Flacco keeps the backup role, and Sanders remains in developmental mode.
If Gabriel struggles or gets injured, Sanders could eventually get a look later this season. But the Browns don't appear eager to find out what he can do just yet — even after benching their veteran starter.
The Browns are headed to London to face the Minnesota Vikings. So Gabriel's first start will be far away from the home crowd. It will also make him the first rookie in league history to make his first start in an international game.
