The moment finally arrived for Browns fans to see rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders take the field. In Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, starter Dillon Gabriel exited around the 12:43 mark in the third quarter with a concussion, with Cleveland leading 16-10 at Huntington Bank Field. Head coach Kevin Stefanski sent in his fifth-round rookie from Colorado, but lost the game by 16-23. The coach provided further updates to fans after the game.

Speaking at his post-game press conference, Stefanski said Sanders could start the Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders if Gabriel doesn’t clear concussion protocol. It’s clear! Kevin Stefanski still prefers Gabriel, but things will get clear later in the week after further medical evaluations.

In his first NFL game, Shedeur Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, and zero TDs with an interception returned for a touchdown and two sacks. He finished the game with a 13.5 passer rating. The Ravens’ safety Kyle Hamilton gave Sanders a taste of the NFL competition in his debut game.

He first sacked the Sanders around the 10:43 mark in the 3rd quarter on a 3rd and 8 down. He then raised his left fist first, lowered it and then raised his right fist. It was an imitation of Sanders’ perfect timing celly. Obviously, the rookie did not like it. But he can’t do anything except elevate his performance. Yet, it showed everyone that even 4-year veterans like Hamilton are jealous of his popularity.

When he entered the field, the 64,230 fans in the stands erupted in joy. They shouted, welcoming their rookie on the gridiron. However, his stay could be short-lived.

Kevin Stefanski clears his stance on Dillon Gabriel’s injury

The Browns’ head coach revealed that he could start Gabriel again next year. The rookie has to clear the concussion protocol, but he also updated the fans that “a lot has to happen” for that. The NFL has strict rules about such situations.

Every NFL player who has a concussion must follow a five-step process before he can practice fully or play again. These steps come from trusted medical rules. They make sure every player gets the same care. Each concussion is different. Some players heal fast. Others need more time. There is no set schedule for Kevin Stefanski to follow regarding Gabriel’s concussion.

Team doctors look at the player’s current injury, past concussions, medical history, family history, and long-term risks. After a player finishes all five steps, the team doctor can clear him. But he still must meet with an independent neurological consultant. The NFL and NFLPA approves this doctor and does not work for any team. The player cannot return to contact or games until this doctor also clears him.

He only had 68 yards in the week 11 game. In 7 games (5 starters), he had a 1-4 record with a 58.6% completion rate in 869 passing yards for 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. But a dramatic situation happened days before the game.

Reporter Cory Skuza said a Browns player texted him saying he was “done with Dillon Gabriel.” He didn’t name the player, but the message shows growing frustration inside the locker room. This has made the situation messy. Former ESPN analyst Todd McShay and draft expert Steve Muench discussed the Browns’ 2026 pick on November 13. Muench surprised McShay by saying he would take Ty Simpson at No. 4. He believes Kevin Stefanski wants a smart, quick-processing quarterback, not just a big body. He called Simpson the best QB in the class and the best fit for Cleveland.

Things are expected to get wild in Cleveland as the season nears its end. Brace yourselves for more!