Browns confirm Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel decision for Raiders game

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will finally get some first-team practice reps ahead of a game. 

Browns name starting QB for Raiders game

Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the news and announced that Sanders will start against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) this Sunday. Fellow first-year pro Dillon Gabriel is still dealing with issues related to the concussion he suffered in Cleveland's 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. 

Sanders made his regular-season debut against the Ravens and completed 4-of-16 passes for 47 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Stefanski subsequently faced criticism for not giving Sanders first-team practice reps earlier in the fall, but a Tuesday report said the fifth-round draft choice has "spent extra time with Stefanski in his office, going over the playbook and studying defenses" throughout the season. 

How Shedeur Sanders has reportedly pleased Browns despite lack of playing time

Before Stefanski's news conference began, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported in an article updated on Wednesday morning that "the Browns have been pleased with Sanders' work ethic and dynamic as a teammate" since the start of spring workouts. 

"The learning curve to the NFL game has been steep," Fowler added about Sanders. "The Browns have equated it to learning a new language. Two-plus months into the season, Sanders no longer needs a translator but also isn't completely fluent. The Browns believe that Sanders is not turnover-prone despite problems with that last Sunday against the Ravens. The bigger issue is his tendency to take sacks. If he can curb that issue, the Browns think he has the arm talent to make plays. They will try to scheme up some throws and plays to protect him in that area."

Specifically, Sanders took an FBS-high 94 sacks over his final two college seasons. Against the Ravens, he was sacked twice for a loss of 27 yards in the game's second half.

"As for Gabriel, I'd be surprised if he doesn't resume starting duties upon his return," Fowler continued. "Perhaps Sanders can change that Sunday with his performance, though."

According to Chris Renkel of Cleveland's WKYC, Stefanski declined on Wednesday to say whether Sanders will have a chance to earn another start based on his performance against the Raiders. Shortly after Stefanski spoke, ESPN BET had 2-8 Cleveland as a 3.5-point road underdog against Las Vegas.