Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel left the game early against the Baltimore Ravens due to a suspected concussion. He didn’t return after halftime, as he was assessed for his injury. In his absence, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders took the field for his first regular-season NFL game.
Sanders made a confident entrance, completing a 5-yard pass to Cedric Tillman right away. However, the drive quickly fell apart when Sanders fumbled after being sacked by Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens took advantage, showcasing their defense’s strength.
It’s still unclear when exactly Gabriel got hurt, but the team ruled him out for the remainder of the game. In the first half, he had completed 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards, but the offense struggled overall. Luckily, the Browns managed to take a 16-10 lead into halftime, thanks to three field goals and a defensive touchdown from Devin Bush.
Sanders made his NFL debut after being drafted in the fifth round, following Gabriel’s selection in the third round. Gabriel became the starter after Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, pushing Sanders into a backup role for the first time.
Entering the game, the Browns had lost five of their last six contests. Gabriel’s performance hasn’t shined, but the team’s issues extend beyond the quarterback position. Coach Kevin Stefanski has been hesitant to start Sanders over Gabriel amid these struggles.
Looking forward, the Browns will face the Las Vegas Raiders next weekend. If Gabriel’s concussion persists, Sanders may get his first start. Although he initially sought a clear path to playing time, this situation puts immense pressure on him to help a struggling franchise find its footing.
Interestingly, a recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that concussions can lead to long-term brain health issues if not properly managed. This underlines the importance of taking Gabriel’s injury seriously, both for his health and the team’s future.
As the Browns navigate their challenges, fans will be watching closely to see how the quarterback situation unfolds. With social media abuzz about Sanders’ debut, expectations are high, and the support from fans could play a crucial role in his confidence on the field.
For more on concussion management in sports, check out the American Academy of Neurology’s guidelines here.
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Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, the Browns, NFL, Kyle Hamilton, concussion, Icon Sportswire, Cedric Tillman, Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders
