Overview
- Bailey Zappe was elevated from the practice squad to serve as Sanders' backup for Week 12 in Las Vegas.
- Cleveland’s coaches stress short, rhythmic throws, screens, play-action and a heavier dose of rookie runner Quinshon Judkins to support the debut.
- Sanders’ only prior regular-season action came in Week 11, when he went 4-of-16 for 47 yards with an interception and two sacks against Baltimore.
- The start comes against a Raiders defense ranked near the bottom of the league in pressure and sack rates, offering cleaner reads and reduced heat.
- Browns history looms large, with no rookie quarterback winning his first Cleveland start since 1995, a skid noted across pregame coverage.