The Cleveland Browns confirmed Wednesday that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will get the start for Week 12 on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, as Dillon Gabriel remains in concussion protocol.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said: “Dillon is still in the concussion protocol,” noting that while Gabriel is improving, but “obviously we’ve got to put a plan together for all of our players, our offense, our defense, our special teams, a plan of attack, and give our guys a chance.”
Sanders stepped in for Gabriel during last week’s 23–16 loss to the Ravens, marking his NFL debut. Thrust into the second half, he struggled against a Baltimore defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in pass defense, finishing 4-of-16 for 47 yards with an interception, two sacks and no scoring drives. His passer rating was 13.3. Afterward the game, Sanders didn’t shy away from the rough outing: “I don’t think I played good,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of things we need to look at during the week … I just think overall, we just got to go next week and understand, so that we have a week to prepare stuff I like to do.”
This week marks the first time the fifth-round pick will handle all first-team reps, something Stefanski believes will streamline the offensive plan. “You want to make sure that all the concepts are things that he feels confident in … definitely want to lean into those types of things,” the coach said, adding he has seen “significant growth” from the rookie since his arrival.
Sanders agreed the additional work should help. “I’m truly excited for that,” he said. “Knowing that I have a piece of [the] offense … and a say so in how things fit my eye, placing the players exactly where they need to be, seeing how the come in and out of routes, seeing the structure of the o-linemen, seeing their sets, just having a feeling. I’m more of a feel type of person. That’s how I learn. That’s how I do everything … I gotta be out there and feel it. I gotta move around. It’s like so many details that it takes for me to feel my best and play my best. I’m doing everything in my power and the team is doing everything to help me get prepared.” Sanders added that his preparation won’t change, and praised Raiders coach Pete Carroll, saying he will “do what I can to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, to make sure I’m my best self.”
Kickoff between the Browns and Raiders is set for 4:05 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium.
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