Dillon Gabriel had the Cleveland Browns out in front 16-10 at home last Sunday but had to leave the game at halftime after taking a shot to the head. Shedeur Sanders took over in the third quarter and looked overmatched in his pro debut, 4-16 passing for 47 yards, an interception and two sacks.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday morning that Sanders will get his first start Sunday at Las Vegas.
"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 posts decent numbers, but not many wins
A third-round pick from Mililani, Hawaii and a 2024 Heisman Finalist and Big Ten Champion with the Ducks, Gabriel started six games this season after taking over from veteran Joe Flacco, the 42nd different starting quarterback for the franchise since it was reestablished in 1999.
In his first season as a pro he completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 937 yards and seven touchdowns, throwing two interceptions. He frustrated long-suffering Browns fans as the team has struggled to a 2-8 start, last in the AFC North.
His critics get their wish in Week 12 of the NFL season against the last-place Raiders, 1:05 p.m. PT on CBS. Vegas has Vegas as a four-point favorite.
All I know is we saw Shedeur Sanders throw the ball down the field while Dillon Gabriel was checking down every chance he got.
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) November 17, 2025
Roll with Sanders.
Let the chips fall where they may.
Opportunity knocks. pic.twitter.com/YPQQj2nRno