STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – The Cleveland Browns are officially turning the offense over to Shedeur Sanders. After being thrust unexpectedly into action last week, the rookie quarterback will now get his first full week of preparation with the starters as he gears up for his first career NFL start on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski made the announcement on Monday, confirming that Sanders will start while veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel remains in concussion protocol. Stefanski also emphasized that the rookie will take every first-team rep in practice — a subtle jab following last week’s overblown talk surrounding whether Sanders was receiving adequate preparation.

A Fire-Tested Debut

Sanders entered last week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens with little notice after Gabriel exited the game. The fifth-round pick showed flashes of poise but also endured the typical struggles of a young quarterback adjusting to NFL speed, finishing with several sacks and an interception — mistakes dissected heavily by national media in the days that followed.

Still, Stefanski and the coaching staff were impressed enough with Sanders’ command and composure to give him the nod for Week 12.

A Difficult Week Off the Field

As Sanders prepares for the biggest moment of his professional career, he is also dealing with the emotional and financial fallout of a home invasion that occurred while he was playing against the Ravens. Nearly $200,000 worth of property was reportedly stolen from his residence, adding another layer of adversity to an already taxing week.

The Browns organization has offered support, but those closest to Sanders have stepped up in an even bigger way.

A Proud Father and a Protective Family

Few people felt the weight of Shedeur’s NFL debut more than his father, Deion Sanders, who watched with a mix of pride and emotion. The Colorado head coach — and Pro Football Hall of Famer — said he was moved to tears seeing his son take the field on Sunday.

Meanwhile, older brother Deion Sanders Jr. took to social media to defend the young quarterback as ESPN’s Get Up dissected Shedeur’s film. The show zeroed in on his sacks and interception, leading Sanders Jr. to voice his frustration.

“They’re about to rip my boy,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Oh, really wanna show the bad play,” he added as more critical clips aired.

While such scrutiny comes with the territory for an NFL quarterback — and especially one with the Sanders name — the family’s reaction underscores the tight support system surrounding the 23-year-old.

A High-Stakes First Start

Now comes the real test. Sanders steps into a Browns offense that has been inconsistent and injury-riddled throughout the season. With Gabriel sidelined, Sanders will shoulder the responsibility of guiding Cleveland through a crucial midseason matchup against the Raiders.

The challenge is steep, but Stefanski made it clear he believes Sanders is ready for the opportunity.

“He’ll get all the reps, and we’re excited to see him build on what he did last week,” Stefanski said.

Sanders will need to improve his pocket awareness against a Las Vegas defense that relies on pressure and thrives on forcing young quarterbacks into mistakes. At the same time, his mobility, arm strength, and experience in high-pressure college environments could help steady the Browns’ offense.

A Moment Years in the Making

For Shedeur Sanders, this upcoming start is more than just the next step in his rookie season — it’s a moment shaped by years of pressure, expectation, and preparation under the bright lights his family knows so well.

Critics will continue to critique. Analysts will continue to debate. But Sanders now has exactly what every rookie quarterback ultimately needs: a full week with the starters, a clear mandate from his head coach, and a chance to prove himself as an NFL signal-caller.

And no matter what unfolds on Sunday, one thing is certain — the Sanders family will be watching, supporting, and defending him every step of the way.