TL;DR
- Shedeur Sanders will start for the Cleveland Browns against the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Dillon Gabriel is out with a concussion, leaving Sanders and Bailey Zappe as the healthy quarterbacks.
- Sanders had a difficult NFL debut, throwing for 47 yards with two turnovers.
- The rookie quarterback is expected to be better prepared for his second opportunity.
Despite entering training camp ranked fourth on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback depth chart, many anticipated Shedeur Sanders would eventually play during his rookie year.
That moment arrived in Week 11, when Sanders replaced an injured Dillon Gabriel against the Baltimore Ravens.
Sanders' debut didn't quite meet his expectations. The fifth-round selection started with an advantage but finished with a defeat, throwing for just 47 yards on 4-of-16 completions and committing two turnovers. Given Gabriel's concussion, might Sanders get an opportunity to bounce back in Week 12?
Here's what you need to know about Sanders' status for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
MORE: What Shedeur Sanders had to say after NFL debut
Will Shedeur Sanders be the starting quarterback this week?
The Browns announced Wednesday that Sanders will start against the Raiders.
Shedeur Sanders will start Sunday vs the Raiders pic.twitter.com/FdBC5o6yPP
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 19, 2025
Gabriel didn't practice on Wednesday and is still in the concussion protocol, which leaves Sanders and Bailey Zappe as Cleveland's remaining two healthy quarterbacks.
Sanders had a tough time in his initial NFL experience facing the Ravens, yet he's expected to be better prepared for success in his debut start. The rookie is receiving first-team practice opportunities this week, and the Raiders' defense will be facing a quick turnaround following a dismal showing against the Dallas Cowboys.
The matchup could also be a revenge tour for Sanders, as the Raiders were considered a potential landing spot for him before he slid down the draft in April. That said, every team passed on Sanders multiple times, so he might not need an additional chip on his shoulder as he suits up in Las Vegas.
MORE: Complete NFL Draft order entering Week 12
Browns QB depth chart
| Rank | QB |
| 1 | Dillon Gabriel* |
| 2 | Shedeur Sanders |
| 3 | Bailey Zappe |
* — Out vs. Raiders with concussion.
Following Week 11, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that Gabriel would continue as Cleveland's starting quarterback if healthy. However, Sanders is slated to have an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in Week 12, as his fellow rookie remains under concussion protocol.
Following the departures of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, who were part of a four-quarterback competition for the starting position at the beginning of training camp, Bailey Zappe now holds the role of the Browns' emergency third-string quarterback and is slated to be active as Sanders' backup when they face the Raiders.
Dillon Gabriel injury update
Gabriel sat out Wednesday's practice and continues to be in concussion protocol following the injury he sustained against the Ravens on Sunday.
To be cleared for game play, NFL players must complete two practices without any symptoms, as per the league's concussion protocol. Although Gabriel could have still met this requirement even after missing Wednesday's practice, the Browns evidently felt he wouldn't be able to clear the protocol before Sunday's matchup.
MORE: Complete guide to NFL concussion protocol