The Cleveland Browns hoped veteran Joe Flacco would steady their offense this season. Instead, his Total QBR of 27.0 ranked near the bottom of the league, and it was clear the Browns needed a spark. So, Dillon Gabriel, the third-round rookie, earned the starting job. But as Gabriel steps up, Coach Kevin Stefanski also revealed a new role for rookie Shedeur Sanders.

Stefanski just made it official: “Yes, Joe’s the backup. Shedeur’s the emergency quarterback.” That hasn’t changed. But additionally, Sanders is now leading the Browns’ rookie quarterbacks in some fresh, post-practice drills.

After practice, Stefanski was asked, “What would a guy like Shedeur need to do to move himself up [in the QB race]?” The head coach explained, “All of our players, and that includes Shedeur in this, are working extremely hard.” 

He also pointed out how Sanders has become one of the leaders in the red zone 7-on-7 sessions. “We just finished our period after practice that we do every single day. Just finished a red zone 7-on-7 period where Shedeur and the rest of the younger guys are working on 10 reps.”

That daily repetition has weight behind it. It shows Cleveland’s long-term investment in Sanders, despite him not being the second-stringer. Stefanski revealed the cheat code for Sanders to jump up in the quarterback line: “He needs to continue to do exactly what he’s been doing and continue to do what all these guys are doing, which is just keep working.” Still reportedly, the Browns will choose Bailey Zappe over Shedeur if they need an immediate backup.

Behind the scenes, this includes a daily mix of film study, scout team reps, and individual work tailored to sharpen his skills. Kevin Stefanski is focusing on every minute counts ideology, and they’re building these rookies up piece by piece. “The big thing for us, it goes back to that intentionality of what we do,” Stefanski said.

Stefanski and his coaching staff have invested intentional time in every young passer on this roster. And that includes quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. “Understanding that we’re bringing our guys along. And it may, on one day, mean meetings, may, on one day, mean a physical individual drill. If you will, at practice, while this side’s doing this, these guys are doing that. So, just like, big picture being very intentional about every minute that you have.”

Gabriel named Browns’ starting QB

Gabriel was going to hold the clipboard this season. But just four weeks into it, he’s stepping in under center after Flacco’s shaky start. Flacco will slide back-to-back up, while Sanders stays the No. 3 emergency QB.

Flacco has playoff experience and leadership, but the Browns’ offense has sputtered. It ranks second-worst in points per game at just 14 through four weeks. Now, Gabriel steps in and becomes the 41st starting quarterback for the franchise since its 1999 NFL return.

At 5-foot-11, one of the shorter QBs in the league, he’s tasked not just with making plays. But he has the burden of steadying a franchise desperate for offensive rhythm. But his mindset matches the Browns’ urgency. “And I think I smile because it’s a moment you prep for, and you are extremely excited for, but also got to realize that it’s extreme focus, and that’s what I’ve continued to harp on…I’ve always been ready for every moment,” Gabriel said

With Dillon Gabriel ready for his first NFL start Sunday in London, Kevin Stefanski and his staff have pulled out all stops to prepare their young quarterbacks. From film sessions to scout team reps and these new red zone drills led by Sanders, the Browns are hands-on with their QB talent.