The Cleveland Browns have gone through some big quarterback changes this season. Joe Flacco started the year, but after getting traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns turned to rookie third-rounder Dillon Gabriel.
Fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders was firmly the backup, but for the first time this season, with Gabriel still dealing with the concussion he sustained in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders has a chance to start.
And as Kevin Stefanski announced on Wednesday, the Browns are indeed making the switch to Sanders in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. With Gabriel set to be out, Sanders is getting his first NFL start.
Browns' Shedeur Sanders to start vs the Raiders in Week 12
"Getting started, Shedeur is going to start at quarterback," Stefanski announced. "Dillon is still in the concussion protocol. He is still improving. But, we have to put a plan together for all of the players, our offense, defense, and special teams."
Shedeur Sanders will start Sunday vs the Raiders pic.twitter.com/FdBC5o6yPP
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 19, 2025
This is huge news for the Browns. After 11 weeks, they are finally giving Sanders, who was one of the biggest storylines from the 2025 NFL Draft, a chance to start.
He's already had his NFL debut, as he came on in relief of Gabriel against the Baltimore Ravens. It wasn't the best debut.
Sanders went 4-16 for 47 yards, one interception, two sacks for 27 yards lost, and one intentional grounding penalty.
More: Shannon Sharpe blasts Browns for Shedeur Sanders' decision amid NFL debut
But those reps were his first with the first-team offense. Now, with a full week of practice with the ones, Sanders should be able to build some familiarity and a plan with the offense.
The Colorado quarterback is finally getting his first chance to start after one of the biggest draft-day slides in recent NFL history.
He will face the Raiders in Week 12, who are coming off a brutal Monday Night Football loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It's not a difficult matchup for Sanders in his first start, as he now gets a chance to prove all of the teams that passed on him wrong.
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- Former AFC coach accuses Shedeur Sanders of only caring about himself after Browns vs. Ravens game
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