The Cleveland Browns are preparing to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in NFL Week 12. Normally, a matchup between two of the worst teams in the AFC wouldn’t be that interesting, but this game is different.
That’s because, last weekend, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders saw his first action in the NFL. Sanders was called upon after fellow rookie passer Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. On Wednesday, head coach Kevin Stefanski provided an update on which quarterback will play in Week 12.
Browns Announce Starting QB For Week 12
Stefanski spoke with the media on Wednesday morning and informed them that Sanders will indeed get his first start in Week 12. Gabriel has yet to clear the concussion protocol, so the team will roll with the Colorado product.
Since Gabriel isn’t healthy, the team will likely promote Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to serve as Sanders’ backup.
“Shedeur’s going to start at quarterback,” Stefanski explained. “Dillon is still in the concussion protocol, he is improving, but we have got to put a plan together for all of our players.”
Shedeur Sanders will start Sunday vs the Raiders pic.twitter.com/FdBC5o6yPP
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 19, 2025
Sanders struggled in his first NFL action last weekend, but it will be interesting to see if a week of first-team reps in practice helps.
Against the Ravens, Sanders completed just four of his 16 passes for 47 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. The rookie also rushed and picked up 16 yards on three rushes in his debut, as the Browns fell 23-16.
PFSN’s QB Impact ranking gave Sanders a 63.4 grade for his first NFL performance. Though it’s not like Gabriel has fared that much better in 2025.
Gabriel has thrown for 937 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions while completing just under 60% of his passes. The rookie has earned a dismal 50.6 grade from PFSN’s QB Impact ranking, which is the second-worst mark among all qualified passers.
The Browns are sitting at 2-8 and at the bottom of the AFC North, so any postseason hopes are out the window. The team will likely spend the rest of the season evaluating the quarterback spot to see if either Gabriel or Sanders can be the long-term answer.
On Wednesday, Stefanski implied Sanders is only starting because Gabriel is still in concussion protocol. Assuming Gabriel recovers by Week 13, it will be interesting to see if he gets the starting job back. Much of that decision will likely depend on how Sanders performs in Week 12.
