Shedeur Sanders Development Emerges Amid Dillon Gabriel’s Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 11:45 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders made his long-awaited NFL debut on Sunday, entering the game in the third quarter after starter Dillon Gabriel was evaluated and later ruled out with a concussion.

Gabriel had started the first half, completing 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards before taking a hit late in the second quarter that led to the sideline evaluation and his removal.

Sanders took over with the Browns leading 16-10 and finished the game 4-of-16 for 47 yards, threw an interception and was sacked twice as the Cleveland Browns fell to the Baltimore Ravens. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Sanders’ second-half snaps were his first significant time with the starting offense since joining the club.

Despite the shaky debut, there's still a chance for a better showing next Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Gabriel’s status for the game is uncertain, which opens the door for Sanders to start if Gabriel does not clear the league’s concussion protocol.

"Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion this past Sunday, knocked him out of the game, which is why Shedeur Sanders was playing in the second half," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said on Monday. "That certainly leaves a door open for Shedeur Sanders playing on Sunday."

From @GMFB: #Browns QB Shedeur Sanders may make his first start this Sunday, pending the health of starter Dillon Gabriel. pic.twitter.com/4H64oUwZLq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025

Sanders' rather disappointing showing was completely blamed on Browns coaching staff. The lack of first-team reps was pronounced as the cause. But Rapoport argues that's the case for any reserve quarterback.

"This backup quarterback, who began the year as a third-string quarterback, didn't get any first-team reps. That is literally normal. That is basically every backup quarterback," he added. "The Falcons and Kirk Cousins came in and didn't look good. ... Backup quarterbacks almost always get basically no or very limited first-team reps."

Cleveland is 2-8 after the 23-16 loss to Baltimore.

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

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