Showing the big-play spark that the Browns' offense has lacked for most of the season, Shedeur Sanders wrested the starting quarterback job away from former Oregon Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news Monday morning. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated Gabriel has cleared concussion protocol, but the 6-2 rookie from Colorado will get the starting assignment against the 49ers.
With Gabriel out yesterday Sanders completed 11-20 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. When he hit fellow rookie Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard strike in the first quarter, it was the first completion of over 50 yards by a Cleveland quarterback in 15 games.
He went on to become the first Cleveland QB to win his first start since 1995. The Browns have had 42 starting quarterbacks since 1999, the year the franchise returned to the city.
He's won the confidence of his teammates. Defensive tackle Myles Garrett, who three sacks in the win over the Raiders, said of the spectacular hookup from Sanders to Bond, "There aren't many guys in the league who can make that throw."
Remember when all the experts said Shedeur Sanders has an “average arm”
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) November 23, 2025
The tape says different
pic.twitter.com/lWaC0Htl47
The move represents a career setback for Gabriel, the popular Ducks star who is dogged by questions about his height and arm strength despite leading Oregon to a 13-1 record last season. In six games taking over from Joe Flacco as the Cleveland starter, he completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. The team went 1-5.