Browns Make Final Decision on Shedeur Sanders as Gabriel Returns

The Cleveland Browns have made their stance unmistakably clear: Shedeur Sanders is their starting quarterback moving forward. The decision arrives just as Dillon Gabriel returns from concussion protocol, signaling a bold new direction for the franchise as they prepare for a difficult matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Sanders Earns the Job With Breakout Debut

Shedeur Sanders’ elevation to QB1 comes after an impressive starting debut in the Browns’ 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders — Cleveland’s first win of the season.

Despite limited preparation time, the rookie delivered a poised and efficient performance. Sanders threw for 209 yards, along with a touchdown and one interception, and brought a level of explosiveness the Browns’ offense had been lacking. His ability to stretch the field was immediately evident, highlighted by completions of 52 yards and 66 yards, including a jaw-dropping deep strike to wide receiver Isaiah Bond that stunned fans and teammates alike.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Sanders for bringing exactly what the team needed.

“Shedeur will start this week. Obviously, the No. 1 job of a QB is to win,” Stefanski said. “I’m excited for him to get that first win under his belt. The next step is improvement, and young players, especially young quarterbacks, get better with each game.”

Dillon Gabriel Returns — But Browns Stay With Sanders

Dillon Gabriel, who opened the season as the Browns’ starter, was cleared to play after suffering a concussion during Week 11. However, the team’s struggles under his leadership played a major role in the coaching staff’s decision.

Gabriel went 1–5 as the starter, posting 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. His hesitation to push the ball downfield became a key issue, as he averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt, one of the lowest marks in the NFL.

Sanders, by contrast, averaged 10.5 yards per attempt in his first start alone — more than doubling the offense’s vertical threat.

While Stefanski emphasized that both quarterbacks may still contribute, his decision signals that the Browns are ready to see how far Sanders’ arm talent and calm composure can take them.

Sanders Shows Poise Beyond His Years

Though Sanders played well, both he and Stefanski made it clear there is still plenty of growing to do.

“There are things we can clean up,” Stefanski said. “He has the mentality to adjust to the speed of the game and what the defense gives us. He’ll make the necessary adjustments.”

Sanders echoed his coach’s assessment, acknowledging the challenges while showing the confidence of a player determined to seize the moment.

“Everybody starts at different places,” Sanders said. “Just because I didn’t get the summer reps, just because I wasn’t in the best situation doesn’t matter. You’ve got to go out there and perform. There’s no excuse.”

Myles Garrett Reacts to Sanders’ ‘Special’ Throw

Sanders didn’t just catch the attention of fans — he impressed one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders.

Defensive end Myles Garrett couldn’t hide his reaction to Sanders’ deep-ball masterpiece to Isaiah Bond early in the game. The broadcast captured Garrett’s look of disbelief, and afterward, he made sure to put words to it.

“Wow… there’s not many guys in the league that can make that throw,” Garrett said. “That was a hell of a throw.”

Garrett’s endorsement carries weight. As a veteran leader and one of the most respected players in the league, his praise suggests Sanders may be more than just a temporary spark for the Browns — he may be the future.

A Tough Challenge Ahead vs. 49ers

The Browns’ next task won’t be easy. The San Francisco 49ers enter the matchup as six-point favorites and rank among the league’s most balanced and disciplined teams.

Still, there is renewed energy in Cleveland. Sanders’ strong debut, paired with a defense led by a red-hot Myles Garrett, gives the Browns a sense of momentum they haven’t felt all season.

If Sanders can build off his Week 12 performance, the Browns may have found the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for.

Looking Forward

Cleveland’s decision to hand Sanders the keys represents more than a simple QB switch — it marks a philosophical shift. The team is betting on upside, arm talent, leadership qualities, and the ability to energize a struggling offense.

Sanders has already shown flashes of what he can bring. Now, as he prepares for his first official start as QB1 with a full week of reps and planning, the Browns are hoping this is the start of a new chapter — one filled with promise.

Whether that promise becomes reality will be revealed soon, as Shedeur Sanders steps onto the field with the spotlight firmly on him and one of the NFL’s top defenses waiting on the other side.