Sanders to Start Week 12 Against The Raiders
The Cleveland Browns are handing the offense to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders this Sunday in Las Vegas, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced, as Dillon Gabriel remains in the league’s concussion protocol.
The move marks a rapid rise for Sanders, who entered the league as Cleveland’s fourth quarterback and now becomes the 42nd signal-caller to start for the Browns since their 1999 return.
Sanders, drafted 144th overall, made his NFL debut last weekend after Gabriel was sidelined at halftime. Thrown into action without any prior snaps with the starting unit, Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception in the 23–16 loss to Baltimore. He was sacked twice.
Stefanski noted that Sunday’s appearance was Sanders’ first time working with the starting offense in any setting. With Gabriel unable to practice, Sanders will finally get full starter reps heading into Week 12.
“I’m truly excited for that,” Sanders said. “I’m more of a feel person. I have to be out there, move around, see the details. That’s how I play my best.”
Sanders’ first start comes one week after his home was burglarized during his debut. According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, roughly $200,000 worth of property was stolen by three suspects. Sanders said none of his jewelry was taken and emphasized he remains focused.
“Mentally, emotionally, I’m in a great place overall,” he said. “My life is always going to be adversity… I’m prepared for everything.”
The Browns have consistently emphasized patience with Sanders’ development. General manager Andrew Berry previously compared Sanders’ adjustment to the NFL to “being fluent in English and now having to learn Mandarin.” For much of the season, Sanders split scout team duties and did not receive true backup reps while the team centered game plans around Gabriel’s weekly readiness.
Sanders has relied on scout team snaps, walk-throughs, and post-practice work with developmental players to stay sharp. Now, with Gabriel’s status uncertain, he finally gets a full week as QB1.
