Browns' Kevin Stefanski Sends Shedeur Sanders Message on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his first appearance of his NFL career on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel went down with a potential concussion during the second quarter on Sunday, but finished out the drive.

After halftime, Sanders emerged from the locker room as the team's quarterback. With Sanders in the game in the second half, the Browns did not score any points, as they lost 23-16 to the Ravens.

In six drives, Sanders went 4-of-16 passing for 47 yards with one interception. He also had three carries for 16 yards. This was a disappointing NFL debut for the former Colorado Buffaloes star.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) scrambles against the Baltimore Ravens.© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Monday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski gave an injury update on Gabriel, who has started the past six games for Cleveland. Stefanski said that he is still in concussion protocol after exiting Sunday's game, and the team will address his injury again on Wednesday.

After giving this update, Stefanski was asked if Sanders could possibly take the starting job from Gabriel while playing for the injured quarterback.

"I'm not going to speculate on that type of thing," Stefanski said, according to ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi. "I know this, we trust our players and we're just solely focused on the next game."

Kevin Stefanski on QB future beyond Raiders game: 'I'm not going to speculate on that type of thing. I know this, we trust our players and we're just solely focused on the next game.'
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 17, 2025

Stefanski was also asked about Sanders' progress going forward, saying, "he will be better with reps, like any player," per Grossi.

It is unclear whether Sanders will make his first career start when the Browns take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, as it depends on the health of Gabriel.

Kickoff between Cleveland (2-8) and Las Vegas (2-7) on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium on CBS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: