The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has reached peak unpredictability, and rookie Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Dillon Gabriel still working through concussion protocol, head coach Kevin Stefanski has finalized the pecking order behind the Colorado product.
“Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Dillon Gabriel still in concussion protocol but progressing well,” Browns reporter Scott Petrak wrote. “Practiced today but won’t play Sunday. Bailey Zappe will be the backup for Shedeur Sanders.”
Gabriel suffered the concussion during Cleveland’s Week 11 loss to Baltimore. He sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning in a limited capacity Friday. Stefanski has already indicated that Gabriel will reclaim the starting job as soon as he’s medically cleared, but that day won’t come before the Raiders game.
That leaves Sanders, the highly touted rookie, running the offense, with former Patriots signal-caller Bailey Zappe serving as the direct backup. Zappe has appeared in just one snap since the 2024 season—a short relief stint against the Ravens.
Sanders’ first taste of NFL action last week was forgettable: 4-of-16 for 47 yards, one interception, and two sacks in a blowout loss. The chaotic circumstances didn’t help; he entered cold off the bench with almost no first-team work in the days leading up.
This week has been different. With Gabriel sidelined, Sanders has taken every rep with the starters, giving him a legitimate chance to show why the Browns invested a high pick in him.
Both Cleveland and Las Vegas limp into Sunday’s matchup with identical 2-8 records, each desperate to stop the bleeding. Criticism of the Browns’ staff has grown louder in recent weeks over perceived mishandling of the quarterback position and roster in general.
A strong performance from Sanders could ignite a full-blown quarterback controversy heading into next week’s Monday night clash with the San Francisco 49ers. For one afternoon at least, the keys to Cleveland’s offense belong entirely to the rookie—and the Browns’ turbulent quarterback room will be watching every throw.
