Shedeur Sanders is finally getting first-team practice reps for the Cleveland Browns, and fans across the league are letting out a collective, sarcastic sigh of relief. After an NFL debut that exposed just how little chemistry he had with the starters, the highly touted rookie quarterback is now preparing to make his first official start against the Las Vegas Raiders.
For weeks, Sanders had been running the scout team while fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel handled first-team duties. When Gabriel suffered a concussion in Week 11, Sanders was thrust into action against the Baltimore Ravens without a single practice rep alongside Cleveland’s offensive starters. The results were predictably rough, as the fifth-round pick completed only four passes on 16 attempts in the loss. Fans and analysts alike have since wondered why it took so long for the team to properly prepare a backup who was one play away from taking the field.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders, NFL
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Now, after getting his first meaningful work with the starters, expectations are shifting. The Browns coaching staff is emphasizing comfort and confidence, crafting a game plan built around short reads and quick decisions to offset the Raiders’ pass rush. Sanders, who tends to hold onto the ball and extend plays, will need to balance his natural aggressiveness with greater discipline against an opponent known for capitalizing on turnovers.
Observers inside and outside the organization view this as a pivotal opportunity for Sanders to prove he can handle the speed and complexity of the NFL game. His arm talent and poise were never in question during his college career at Colorado, but decision-making and timing remain hurdles to overcome. This week’s practice reps are his first real opportunity to build chemistry with his receivers and synch with the offensive line.
NFL Fans React to Shedeur Sanders Practicing for the First Time as Cleveland Browns Starting QB
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders, NFL
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Fans have shared their thoughts about Sanders practicing as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. These reactions can be seen in a video shared by his team’s official X account.
.@ShedeurSanders‘ first practice reps as starting QB pic.twitter.com/WKR7EPTsR6
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 19, 2025
“Took long enough,” a fan said. “He’s gotta stop with the tapping of his hand on the ball before he loads up. Defenses will read that and that’s more time the D-linemen can get to him,” another observed.
A supporter mentioned, “I am expecting Shedeur Sanders to have a big game on Sunday.”
“Looking good with no defense out there!” a follower joked.
“Best in the league,” a commenter posted.
“So no more excuses,” a sixth social media user reacted.
Cleveland fans are eager but cautious, aware that the team’s quarterback carousel has rarely yielded stability. Many took to social media to celebrate his long-overdue first-team reps, calling it “about time” the Browns gave their rookie a proper chance to prepare.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders, NFL
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Whether Sanders plays like a polished prospect or a work in progress remains to be seen. What’s clear is that after months of waiting, he finally has the chance to show what he can do with the full support of a first-team offense around him.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is all smiles during NFL training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
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