Shedeur Sanders Sends Strong Message to Browns Fans on Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns fans boomed with approval as quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered an NFL game for the first time in the second half of the team’s Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, but the rookie didn’t give them much to cheer about after that.
Sanders finished the day 4-of-16 passing for 47 yards and an interception. He also rushed for 16 yards, took two sacks and fumbled once, though Cleveland recovered. Reporters asked Sanders during the postgame about his performance and the fan’s reaction to both him finally getting in a game and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel leaving due to a mandatory entrance into the league’s concussion protocol.
“When Dillon out there playing and all that, I appreciate the fans, I appreciate everybody. But I’m a good person overall, so I don’t really like him not feeling comfortable, confident when he get out there. So it puts everything in a tough spot, and it’s not helping the team,” Sanders said of fans’ previous booing of Gabriel during his struggles.
“So, that could be taken as, ‘OK, I’m being a distraction,’ even though I ain’t doing that, even though I’m not doing nothing,” Sanders continued. “But I’m thankful for the supporters, thankful for the fans, thankful for everybody out there that believes. And yeah, when I got out there, I definitely felt them, and I’m truly thankful for it. … Thankful seeing all them 12 jerseys out there, and it was a great feeling for that. But the feeling of losing, that ain’t nothing we going to get comfortable with on my watch, for sure.”
Shedeur Sanders Likely to Start Next Week Against Raiders
Gabriel remains in concussion protocol and while it’s possible doctors could clear him ahead of the team’s Week 12 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders next weekend, it is likely that Sanders will get the first start of his career in the desert.
The Browns must practice this week as though Sanders is going to be the starter, as Gabriel’s status is uncertain. Because of that, the coaching staff is likely to tailor the game plan to Sanders’ strengths and finally afford him the first-team practice reps he’s been lacking since joining the franchise in the fifth round of April’s draft.
“Sanders is expected to start Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders in Las Vegas, and fourth-year pro Bailey Zappe will be the backup,” Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Monday. “Sanders, who had his house broken into during Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Ravens, will be the 42nd quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999, barring some unexpected occurrence.”
Dillon Gabriel Will Return to Starting Lineup When Healthy
However, head coach Kevin Stefanski was clear that Gabriel will get his starting job back from Sanders once he returns healthy.
Cleveland, now 2-8, was likely to insert Sanders into the starting lineup at some point late in the season to assess his abilities and the QB room as a whole before a 2026 draft, in which the team has two first-round picks. It is unclear if one and a half games will be enough information for the Browns where Sanders is concerned, should Gabriel return healthy following this weekend.
Suffice it to say, Cleveland’s upcoming game in Las Vegas is the most important of Sanders’ football career.
Tyquan Thornton Vows to Make the Most of His Opportunity: 'I’m Ready to Show What I’m Capable Of'
Tyquan Thornton is making it clear — he’s not just here to sit on the sidelines. After spending much of his early career as a secondary option in the Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver rotation, the speedster is ready to step up and make a lasting impact on the field.
"I know what I’m capable of, and I’m ready to show it," Thornton said in a recent interview. "It’s all about seizing the opportunity when it comes. I’ve got the speed, I’ve got the hands — now it’s just about getting in the game and making big plays when the team needs it."
Thornton's confidence has been evident from the moment he stepped onto the field. Known for his blazing speed and excellent ball-catching ability, the wide receiver has long been regarded as a potential game-changer. However, despite his talents, the 23-year-old has often found himself playing a limited role, with much of the Chiefs' offense focused on other weapons.
But with the Chiefs' offense still looking for consistency and new spark, Thornton believes his moment to shine has finally arrived. The third-year player is determined to make the most of any opportunity he’s given, whether that’s making a critical catch in a tight game or catching a long bomb down the sideline.
"All I can do is stay ready," Thornton continued. "I’ve been working hard every day in practice, keeping my mind sharp and my body in top shape. When my number is called, I’ll be prepared. It’s about executing when it matters most."
Thornton's eagerness to get in the game has caught the attention of both coaches and teammates. His work ethic and consistency in practice have earned him the trust of the coaching staff, and the Chiefs are slowly increasing his role in the offense.
"I see the potential in him every day," said Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes. "When he gets those opportunities, he makes the most of them. Tyquan has that explosiveness that can take a game over — and I’m excited to see him do that more this season."
For Thornton, it's all about proving his worth when the lights are the brightest. With an offense that already features stars like Travis Kelce and Kadarius Toney, the young wide receiver knows he needs to make every play count. But with his combination of raw athleticism and determination, he believes he’s ready for the spotlight.
"I’m ready to take this team to the next level, to contribute however I can," Thornton said. "Whether it’s catching a deep pass or running a perfect route — I’m going to be ready to make those big plays. And when that happens, everyone will see what I can do."
As the season progresses, the Chiefs will be looking for that additional spark, and Tyquan Thornton seems poised to be the one to provide it. With his eyes set on proving himself, he’s more determined than ever to seize the opportunity and show the world exactly what he’s capable of.
