The Cleveland Browns are coming off a win in the first start of Shedeur Sanders’ NFL career, but there were questions surrounding if he will be the starting quarterback going forward. Third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel was not able to clear concussion protocol in time to start against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, which allowed Sanders the ability to start. Let’s take a closer look at what the quarterback situation will be for the Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Kevin Stefanski Names Shedeur Sanders the Cleveland Browns Starting QB
Cleveland Browns Kevin Stefanski
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talks to head coach Kevin Stefanski in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Browns have named Shedeur Sanders the starting quarterback for Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. This is despite Dillon Gabriel, who has been the starting quarterback for the team since they traded away Joe Flacco, clearing concussion protocol and being available for the upcoming game. However, this was not coach Kevin Stefanski announcing the quarterback depth chart will stay this way for the remainder of the season.
While Shedeur Sanders did not light the world on fire in his first NFL start, he did enough to win the game and look well doing so. He finished the game completing 11 of 20 passes (55.0%) for 209 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. He also became the first Cleveland Browns quarterback to win his first NFL start since the franchise moved back to Cleveland in 1999, breaking an 0-17 stretch in those games.
This also means that Sanders will get the first-team reps for a second consecutive week heading into the game. The 49ers’ defense is on a whole different level than what the Raiders’ defense was, so it will be intriguing to see how Sanders and the Browns’ offense look heading into this Week 13 clash.