Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Sunday that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will remain the team’s starter following the Week 10 loss to the New York Jets. The Browns lost 27-20, dropping their record to 2-7. Gabriel completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns but was sacked six times, continuing a pattern of inconsistency from the rookie.
Kevin Stefanski on Shedeur Sanders’ Playing Timeline
On Monday, Stefanski was asked about fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders potentially taking over the starting position.
“I don’t think it’s fair to speculate,” the Browns HC said. “We’re committed to getting better as an offense. Dillon is certainly committing to improving every which way he can. All the while, all our players, young players, are developing and working so hard behind the scenes to make sure that they’re getting better on a daily basis.”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, “I don’t think it’s fair to speculate” on a timetable to play rookie QB Shedeur Sanders with eight games remaining.
Owner Jimmy Haslam has said it’s “absolutely” important to evaluate both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel on the field ahead of the…
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 10, 2025
According to Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi, owner Jimmy Haslam said it is important to evaluate both Dillon Gabriel and Sanders during the regular season, especially before the 2026 NFL Draft, where Cleveland will have two first-round picks. Despite this, Stefanski confirmed Gabriel will continue as the starter for now.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, “I don’t think it’s fair to speculate” on a timetable to play rookie QB Shedeur Sanders with eight games remaining.
Owner Jimmy Haslam has said it’s “absolutely” important to evaluate both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel on the field ahead of the…
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 10, 2025
Gabriel has started five games this season, completing 58.6% of his passes for 869 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, with the team posting a 1-4 record in that span. Sanders, who had a strong showing in the preseason, is fully healthy following a recent back injury but has not yet played in a regular-season game. Gabriel’s PFSN QB Impact score stands at 52.3, earning him a grade of F. Among all NFL quarterbacks, he ranks 37th.
Stefanski addressed the team’s decision to continue with Gabriel as well. “Yeah, we’re going to stick with Dillon,” the Browns HC said on Sunday. “Obviously, this is a young player that you’re always trying to get one game better. But we have to play better as an offense, we have to coach better, all the above.”
The Browns face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 at Huntington Bank Field. Gabriel is expected to start, while Sanders will be the backup. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s offensive challenges extend beyond the quarterback position, with additional needs at wide receiver and offensive tackles as well.