Shedeur Sanders issues apology to Dillon Gabriel as boos signal end of Kevin Stefanski’s Browns tenure

It would not be the Browns if there wasn’t quarterback drama – even if this time it wasn’t entirely of their own doing.

On Sunday, amidst a stirring display despite defeat against the Buffalo Bills, the fans made their feelings clear on the quarterback situation.

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Shedeur Sanders was taken off the field for treatment on a bloodied pinky finger – which was not obvious to those in the stadium.

With the Browns in the redzone, the decision to bring Gabriel on to the field – which was needed given the state of Sanders hand – was roundly booed by the fans.

With jeers raining down from the stands, the feeling from the paying customers was that Sanders was pulled in favour of Gabriel.

Having gone a perfect five for five and finding Harold Fannin Jr. for the opening touchdown of the game and an early lead for the Browns – the fans were suitably unimpressed.

It didn’t get any better when Gabriel was sacked on his only snap and the Browns forced to kick a field goal – but after the game Sanders was quick to point out how things played out.

And with it apologize to his fellow quarterback, knowing only too well the feeling when you have to jump in at short notice.

“You can look online and see what my finger looked like, I’m sure they got the details there,” he said.

“I threw Quinshon a little route then. I was like damn. It was over with. I did everything to come back because I didn’t want to put Dillon in a bad situation.

“When I was the back-up, it’s tough. It’s tough to play that role because you don’t get reps.

“I said, ‘my bad bro’ for putting you in that situation. It’s not ideal and I want him to be prepared for when he is out there.”

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talkSPORT reacts....Time's Up for Stefanski

The quarterback decision might take up the headlines, but the decision to move on at head coach should have already been taken in Cleveland.

Kevin Stefanski wears the look of a man who has had enough in the Browns hot seat and six wins from the last two seasons makes it an easy decision to make.

A generational defence – with Myles Garrett on track for a new NFL sack record – and an outstanding first round draft class have the Browns better placed than many in the top half of the draft.

As an offensive coach, Stefanski should be doing more despite his limited options, after six seasons his time should be up.

Stick with Sanders and see what you have, take the best player available in the top five and a turnaround might not be far away.

Paul Prenderville, US Sports Editor

It was situation that mirrored what happened earlier in the season, when fans were furious with head coach Stefanski – although at that stage Sanders hadn’t flashed the moments he has over the last xx weeks.

Browns heading for offseason quarterback decision

For those keeping check, here’s where the Browns stand as they weigh up what to do under center going into 2026.

Sanders – a fifth round pick in the draft – has started the last five games since replacing third round pick Gabriel against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.

Sanders fellow rookie had replaced Joe Flacco, who started the first four games of the season before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Also on the books is Deshaun Watson, the $230million trade bust who is returning from an Achilles injury.

With two rookies having dominated starts, the Browns have a decision to make heading into the NFL Draft in April.

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Another top five pick looms for the franchise, but the form of Sanders – who was critical of reporters questioning Stefanski’s future – and a quarterback class that is less than dazzling may leave the team sticking with what they have.

Alongside that the futures of Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry are likely to come under scrutiny – although the GM’s stellar 2025 draft class might ease the pressure on him.

Stefanski, a two-time coach of the year, may not be as lucky, with his 6-24 record over the last two seasons likely to be a huge factor in how the Browns move forward.

A new coach will have his own thoughts about the quarterback situation, so it is unlikely that we’ve heard the last of any Sanders and Gabriel drama.

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