With Joe Flacco now out of the picture, the Cleveland Browns are mulling over whether or not Shedeur Sanders will serve as the No. 2 QB to Dillon Gabriel

While Kevin Stefanski continues to mull over who to promote to backup quarterback, it's business as usual for Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders, who is in the mix for the job.  

"We're going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon [Gabriel] is ready for the game," Sanders said. "So, you know, whatever that means. So each and every day, even when Joe [Flacco] was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time." 

It was Flacco's departure earlier this week, via an in-division trade with the Cincinnati Bengals that created a path for Sanders to potentially earn a promotion to QB No. 2 in the first place. Even he doesn't know yet what Stefanski and the powers that be will decide his role will be on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's found some excitement in the unknown, nonetheless.

"I'm in a great mental space overall, so I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited, when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure," Sanders admitted. "So my job at first was to prepare the defense, and I think I did a pretty good job" 

On Wednesday, Stefanski was unwilling to commit to Sanders being the primary backup to his fellow rookie, Gabriel, who was promoted to the team's starting QB last week.

"I always have to be mindful of our players, and our players development and I want to make sure that I’m always doing what’s best for our players and, of course, our team," Stefanski said when asked specifically if Sanders would assume backup QB duties. "Last week, making the change to Dillon, you have to think long and hard about that, because these are young players that you’re so invested in their development. So, I’ll let the week play out and make a decision later on." 

If it's not Sanders, the most obvious option would be three-year veteran Bailey Zappe, who is currently on the practice squad, but could be added to the 53-man roster ahead of the Sunday. While Sanders – who has never been short on confidence – believes he's ready for the opportunity, he's already at peace with whatever Stefanski decides. 

"You know, I'm overly confident within myself, so I know when I first got here, I'm ready to play," he said. "But, you know, it's up to the coaches and whatever decision they make them, then I'm fine with." 

The absence of Flacco does theoretically bring Sanders closer to playing that ever before.  his arrival in Cleveland back in April. Back then, and even through most of training camp in August, he was considered the fourth quarterback on the depth chart in a four-way competition for the starting job. 

By the time the season rolled around, he was the third string QB and has been listed as the team's emergency QB in each of the first five games of the season.

Sanders has Flacco's departure to thank for this potential new opportunity. But the 18-year-veteran also left Sanders with plenty of wisdom during their five months as teammates. He'll channel some of it as he navigates whatever is next. 

"It's a lot of different lessons I learned just being here each and every day," Sanders said of Flacco. "It's a lot of different things I learned not being on the field that I'm thankful for. And I honestly am happy that I'm able to figure out all this different stuff about myself, I'm able to view a lot of things in this world differently, I'm able to value smaller things like a little bit more."