Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel was back on the practice field on Friday as the team made its final preparations to face the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the rookie passer won’t be available for the Week 12 clash.
The Browns have ruled Gabriel out for Sunday’s matchup, with Shedeur Sanders set to draw his first NFL start. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said Gabriel is still in concussion protocol but is progressing well.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash and pass-rusher Alex Wright were also ruled out against the Raiders. Offensive tackle Jack Conklin is questionable.
Meanwhile, Sanders has been getting his first reps with the starting offense. It’s been a quick turnaround for the former Colorado start but Stefanski is happy with what he’s seen from Sanders.
“It’s a buildup. Every day looking to learn, go perform, learn again. Soak it all up. I think he’s handled the week really well,” Stefanski said. “His focus is to do his job for the football team.”
Shedeur Sanders Win Could Set Up Browns QB Decision
Gabriel did little to prove that he could be a long-term option in Cleveland during his four-plus starts. He passed for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Gabriel’s QBR of 30.8 ranked 32nd in the NFL and his 5.1 yards per attempt was a historically bad mark.
Sanders didn’t provide a massive spark when he entered the game at half last week against the Baltimore Ravens. He completed just 4-of-16 passes for 47 yards and threw an ill-advised interception. But with a full week of preparation under his belt, Sanders is confident he can make a case to be the starter the rest of the way this season and beyond.
“I know our fans have a lot of expectations and hope, and I would be doing a disservice to myself and disservice to the organization if I didn’t feel like I am the guy,” Sanders said. “I’m doing everything I need to prepare to be the best version of myself as possible. With the circumstances, everything got me sped up, and that’s great – you know, I like pressure in life. I’m just excited for everything. So, I feel like I’m the guy, I know I’m the guy, but you just have to be able to see. The game got to speak.”
If Sanders produces solid numbers in a win against the Raiders, and Gabriel is healthy, it will set up a tough decision for the Browns.
Browns Seeking to Make Shedeur Sanders Comfortable
Cleveland is no stranger to quarterback shifts. Sanders is the Browns’ third starting quarterback this season and the 42nd overall since 1999. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees — who recently took over the play-calling duties — is seeking to make the rookie comfortable in his starting debut.
“What are the things that you feel like he excels at?” Rees said. “We’re going to tailor it to what he’s comfortable with, tailor what he’s confident in.”
Sanders’ long-awaited debut comes in a good spot. The Browns face the Raiders, who have lost eight of their last nine and are giving up 25.3 points per game this season. Cleveland is a four-point underdog for the matchup at Allegiant Stadium.
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