Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAYSun, November 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM UTC·1 min readMore than seven months ago, Shedeur Sanders was the biggest storyline of the NFL Draft. The former Colorado Buffaloes star fell from first-round expectations to a fifth-round selection to the Cleveland Browns.
Throughout the offseason, the Browns' quarterback room was under intense scrutiny with Sanders, fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett were in play for the starting job.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlacco began the season as the starter before getting shipped south to Cincinnati via trade. Pickett similarly was traded out west to Las Vegas.
That left rookies Gabriel and Sanders as the lone healthy options at the position. Gabreil started six games, going 1-5 in that stretch, before the team went to Sanders.
Sanders responded with the third win of the Browns' season by leading Cleveland past the Raiders on the road in Week 12. The 24-10 victory featured his first touchdown pass in the NFL: a 66-yard catch and run by running back Dylan Sampson.
He started the Browns' game today against the San Francisco 49ers. Here's how the rookie fared in his home debut for the Browns:
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.Shedeur Sanders stats today
Here's how Sanders performed in the Browns' game against San Francisco:
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPassing: 16/25 (64%)
Passing yards: 149
Passing touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 0
Carries: 1
Rushing yards: 6
Sacks: 3 (34 yards)
Cleveland Browns schedule
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shedeur Sanders stats: How Browns QB performed vs 49ers
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