Overview
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Gabriel practiced but will not play Sunday and named Bailey Zappe the backup behind Sanders.
- Sanders gets his first NFL start after a rough relief debut in Week 11, when he went 4-for-16 for 47 yards with an interception and two sacks.
- Stefanski reiterated Gabriel will reclaim the starting job once he is medically cleared to return.
- Former Browns great Joe Thomas backed Sanders’ upside as a potential long-term answer, while ESPN’s Ryan Clark labeled the start a career-defining opportunity.
- Beyond quarterback, Cleveland’s rookie class is contributing, with linebacker Carson Schwesinger leading the team with 85 total tackles.