Shedeur Sanders Debuts with the Browns Amid Uncertainty
The Browns’ rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, made his NFL debut on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. He entered the field on the first possession of the second half, while Dillon Gabriel, another rookie, was being evaluated for a concussion.
Gabriel, who had been the starter in the previous five games, played the entire first half, completing 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards. He also ran twice for 2 yards, leading Cleveland to a 16-10 lead at halftime.
Gabriel was officially ruled out due to the concussion in the third quarter.
It’s unclear what play caused Gabriel’s concussion evaluation. However, after Myles Garrett’s fourth sack of the game forced the Ravens to punt on the first series of the second half, Sanders led the offense onto the field, while the crowd at Huntington Bank Field erupted in cheers.
During the first half, fans chanted “We want Shedeur” and booed after several errant passes by Gabriel.
Sanders completed his first two passes, to Cedric Tillman and David Njoku, but was sacked on third down, forcing Cleveland to punt. He later threw an interception.
Sanders, considered by some as a first-round pick, notably fell in the April NFL draft, and Cleveland ultimately selected him with the number 144 pick in the fifth round. He began his NFL career as the fourth quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart. Son of Pro Football Hall of Fame member and Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders, he moved into the backup position after the Browns traded veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.
