The Cleveland Browns are making their long-awaited quarterback change, but it’s mostly out of necessity.
Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first career start for the Browns against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel’s head injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski made the announcement at a press conference on Nov. 19.
‘Dillon is still in the concussion protocol,’ Stefanski said. ‘He is improving, but obviously we gotta put a plan together for all of our players, all of our offense, defense or special teams. Plan of attack. Give our guys a chance to go execute and play fast.’
Gabriel exited Cleveland’s Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion, giving Sanders the opportunity to get his first pro snaps during the regular season. Sanders entered the game in the second half and came up short on a fourth-quarter comeback in the Browns’ final offensive drive.
The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was one of the most discussed prospects in football ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite many analysts tabbing Shedeur as a potential first-round pick, the Colorado product slid down the board into the fifth round before the Browns selected him with the No. 144 overall pick.
Sanders began the year as Cleveland’s third-string quarterback behind veteran free agent signee Joe Flacco and Gabriel.
The third-round rookie out of Oregon initially took over as the Browns’ starter in Week 5 after the team stumbled out of the gate to the tune of a 1-3 start with Flacco behind center. Gabriel compiled a 1-5 record in six games as the starter before his injury and Cleveland’s ensuing quarterback change.
Browns QB depth chart
Shedeur Sanders
Dillon Gabriel (out – concussion)
Deshaun Watson (Reserve/PUP – Achilles)
Watson re-ruptured his Achilles in January after initially sustaining the injury in Week 7 last year. He still has yet to make a return to practice. Cleveland.com Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot told Cleveland-area radio station 92.3 The Fan on Nov. 11 that she could see Watson’s practice window opening within the next two weeks.
Outside of those three quarterbacks, former Patriots starter Bailey Zappe is on the Browns’ practice squad.
Dillon Gabriel stats
Completion rate: 109-of-184 (59.2%)
Passing yards: 937
Passing touchdowns: 7
Interceptions: 2
Passer rating: 80.8
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing: 86 yards on 14 carries (6.14 yards per attempt)
Sacks taken: 8
Shedeur Sanders stats
Preseason (two games):
Completion rate: 17 of 29 (58.6%)
Passing yards: 152
Passing touchdowns: 2
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing: 19 yards on four carries (4.75 yards per attempt)
Sacks taken: 7
Week 11 (vs. Ravens):
Completion rate: 4 of 16 (58.6%)
Passing yards: 47
Passing touchdowns: 0
Interceptions: 1
Fumbles (Lost): 1 (0)
Rushing: 16 yards on three carries (5.3 yards per attempt)
Sacks taken: 2