Kevin Stefanski doesn't mince words over concerns on Shedeur Sanders playing in cold weather ahead of 49ers clash 

Shedeur Sanders will be facing the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in freezing temperatures. But Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he expects the rookie quarterback to be OK despite the elements

"Yeah, he played at Colorado," Stefanski said. "That's a lot of wind there. You're gonna get all sorts of weather. So, I think he's good to go."

Shedeur Sanders spent most of the season as the backup option. However, after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion in Week 11, Coach Prime's son made his debut for the Browns in the second half, completing four of 16 passes for 47 yards and no touchdowns.

Sanders was named the QB1 for last week's 24-10 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, going 11 of 20 for 209 yards and a touchdown.

Despite helping the Browns end their three-game losing streak, ex-NFL coach Jon Gruden said that the hype surrounding Coach Prime's son should mellow down.

"I would pump the brakes on that a little bit," Gruden said. "The throw we keep watching was against an all out blitz. The Browns don't even pick up the blitz. ... I'm not going to jump off the table yet because he threw a bubble screen for a 70-yard touchdown against the worst entry I've ever seen on defense."

Dillon Gabriel has returned from concussion protocol. However, Kevin Stefanski decided to retain Shedeur Sanders as the starter heading into Week 13.

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Kevin Stefanski clarifies decision about not handing last week's game ball to Shedeur Sanders

Kevin Stefanski received a lot of criticism for not giving Shedeur Sanders the game ball following last week's victory over the Raiders.

On Wednesday, the Browns coach explained why he decided to give the game ball to Myles Garrett instead of the rookie quarterback.

"You got into it, trying to highlight guys," Stefanski said. "You know, Myles got the game ball. I thought it was pretty worthy. But you're just trying to constantly recognize your guys.

"We spent time this morning, as well, pointing out all of our guys and the jobs they did. ... Obviously, a rookie starting his first game on the road and getting a win is huge, so you acknowledge all that with them."

The Browns vs. 49ers game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on CBS