Shedeur Sanders: "I'm in a great mental space overall... excited for the opportunity."

The Cleveland Browns face uncertainty at the quarterback position following the trade of Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Why it matters: With Flacco's departure, the Browns are left with rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback and Shedeur Sanders vying for the backup role, raising questions about their depth and preparation ahead of an important matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What’s new: The Browns have officially traded Flacco, leaving only Gabriel and Sanders on the active roster.

• This situation poses challenges for head coach Kevin Stefanski as he seeks to define his team's quarterback depth.

What to watch: As the season progresses, the performance of Gabriel and Sanders will be closely monitored.

• Gabriel has already taken over as the starter, while Sanders' potential transition into a backup role could be pivotal for the team’s success.

Yes, but: While Sanders has shown promise, his inexperience may become a factor if he is called upon to step in during critical situations.

• Having been inactive for the first five games, his readiness remains a point of concern for the coaching staff.

By the numbers: Sanders made the 53-man roster after trades involving quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Tyler Huntley, indicating his value to the team's future plans.

• He has split scout-team reps with Gabriel and Bailey Zappe, each gaining experience within Stefanski's offensive system.

Between the lines: Sanders remains optimistic about his role despite the uncertainties.

• "I'm in a great mental space overall... I'm thankful," said Sanders, emphasizing his focus on preparation and support for Gabriel.

Our thought bubble: The Browns decision to trade Flacco signifies a pivot towards younger talent, potentially reflecting a long-term strategy rather than immediate results.

• As teams increasingly favor mobile quarterbacks and modern offensive schemes, Gabriel and Sanders could embody the franchise's evolving identity.

The bottom line: With key decisions looming and a rivalry game against the Steelers on the horizon, the Browns must navigate this quarterback shuffle effectively to maintain competitiveness in a challenging AFC North landscape.