In Week 12, Shedeur Sanders won his first career start as the Cleveland Browns took down the Las Vegas Raiders by a score of 24-10.
However, there were still many questions about the Browns’ quarterback room going forward. Would Sanders continue in the starting role, or would fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel take the starting spot back after clearing concussion protocol? It’s now reported that we have an answer for Week 13.
Browns Name Shedeur Sanders Starting QB for Week 13
According to Ian Rapoport, the Browns have decided on their starting quarterback for Week 13. They are once again going to rely on Sanders, as he will play in their next game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Rapoport said, “The Browns are naming QB Shedeur Sanders as their starting QB this week against the 49ers, sources say. After the rookie fifth-rounder impressed with a 209-yard passing day with a TD, he gets another start.”
The #Browns are naming QB Shedeur Sanders as their starting QB this week against the #49ers, sources say.
After the rookie fifth-rounder impressed with a 209-yard passing day with a TD, he gets another start. pic.twitter.com/1DERCXnR8b
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2025
In his first NFL start, Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite the criticisms he faced, the quarterback was the first Browns rookie quarterback to win in their first start since 1995.
Furthermore, he made history after becoming just the second son of a Pro Football Hall of Famer to start an NFL game at quarterback, joining Brian Griese
But what about Gabriel? He was the starter before Sanders, so this must mean he’s still in concussion protocol, right?
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NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo reported that Gabriel cleared concussion protocol, but Sanders will remain as the lead signal-caller for Week 13.
Garafolo said, “Kevin Stefanski says Browns QB Dillon Gabriel cleared concussion protocol, but Shedeur Sanders remains QB1.”
Kevin Stefanski says #Browns QB Dillon Gabriel cleared concussion protocol but Shedeur Sanders remains QB1. https://t.co/weyH3UMftX
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 24, 2025
Although Gabriel is healthy, he’ll likely serve as the backup to Sanders in the contest against San Francisco.
Sanders will be in for a tough time with the 49ers. Although the NFC West team ranks 29th in PFSN’s Defensive Impact rankings, they are a very skilled and experienced group under Robert Saleh. However, they are vulnerable considering their two best defenders, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, are out for the season.
Sanders will take on the 49ers in his first career home start on Sunday, November 30, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
