Browns Announce Important Shedeur Sanders News Ahead of First NFL Start Against Raiders

The Cleveland Browns (2-8) are facing off against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) in Week 12.

Despite both teams being among the worst in the NFL, it is one of the most heavily anticipated matchups of the week. This is because rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is starting for the Browns due to the concussion to usual starter Dillon Gabriel.

This is Sanders’ first start in the league, so Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski is taking every step possible to prepare him.

Browns Announce Major Change To Practice

Stefanski revealed Wednesday morning Sanders will officially start against the Raiders, saying, “Shedeur’s going to start. Dillon’s improving but still in protocol.”

On top of this, it was announced the 23-year-old will receive all first-team reps leading up to the game, as Stefanski shared, “I just see Shedeur, Dillon growing a ton both with the Xs and Os and all the work in individual periods. I do see significant growth in Shedeur. … He’ll get every rep.”

Although this is the first time this season Sanders is receiving first-team reps, it appears the former Colorado Buffalo has already been working individually with Stefanski. Browns reporter Tony Grossi posted to X that “Kevin Stefanski said that all season he has spent extra time with Shedeur in the morning reviewing tape of the previous practice.”

This may be Sanders’ first start for the Browns, but it’s not his first appearance for the team. Sanders played the majority of the second half of their Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 4 of 16 pass attempts for 47 passing yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. He took two sacks, one of which resulted in a fumble, but it was recovered by the Browns’ offense.

Many blamed the Browns’ coaching staff for Sanders’ woes against the Ravens, as he was entirely unfamiliar with the offense. Now, Sanders will have a few days to work with the starters as he prepares to face Maxx Crosby and the rest of Las Vegas’ defense. The Raiders’ defense ranks No. 26 in PFSN’s metrics, so this could be the perfect opportunity for Sanders to prove himself.