Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Brown HC Kevin Stefanski Announced Shedeur Sanders as Their Starting QB Against 49ers

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders wasted no time announcing his arrival. In his first NFL start Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, the rookie fifth-round pick completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while leading Cleveland to a much-needed 24-10 road win. Most impressive was a 52-yard bomb to fellow rookie Isaiah Bond and poised pocket presence throughout the afternoon. The victory snapped a rough stretch and gave the Browns their clearest glimpse yet of a potential long-term answer at quarterback.

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Sanders Named Starter vs 49ers in Week 13

On Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski ended any speculation. Sanders will start his second straight game when Cleveland hosts the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13.

“I thought communication was really good throughout the day with him,” Stefanski said. “He has the mentality that he will make the adjustments to the speed of the game to make those improvements.”

The decision rewards Sanders’ strong debut and his confidence all week that he is the franchise quarterback Cleveland has sought for since a very long time.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said Dillon Gabriel has cleared concussion protocol, but Shedeur Sanders will start Sunday versus the 49ers. https://t.co/pAPsrbV9yk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2025

Browns Stick With Shedeur Sanders Despite Dillon Gabriel Clearing Protocol

Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel cleared concussion protocol Monday after suffering the injury against Baltimore, but Stefanski refused to comment on the Browns being week-to-week with their QB situation, telling reporters that he’s priority is on the upcoming week matchup.

While Gabriel protected the football well, his physical limitations often capped the offense for the Browns. Meanwhile, Sanders immediately stretched the field vertically and showed quicker processing and release, traits the Browns loved in both rookies coming out of the draft.

Even Myles Garrett, the face of the franchise, endorsed the rookie after the game, praising the deep strike to Bond that “not many guys in the league who can make that throw.”

Myles Garrett on Shedeur Sanders 50+ yard deep ball on Sunday: "There are not many guys in the league who can make that throw." pic.twitter.com/BPTaSlxcYL https://t.co/a2o3NbtcAM
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 24, 2025

With six games remaining, Sanders now has a golden opportunity to prove the Browns have finally found their guy. Preparations begins this week for a San Francisco defense that will test everything the young QB showed in Las Vegas.

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.