Shedeur Sanders Injury: The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is facing a rough patch, and rookie Shedeur Sanders is the latest to hit a speed bump. After an impressive preseason debut, Sanders suffered an oblique injury during a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13, 2025. As a fifth-round pick out of Colorado, Sanders has been turning heads with his potential, but this injury raises questions about his immediate future and his place in the Browns’ crowded quarterback competition. Let’s dive into the details of what happened, what it means, and where things stand.
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The Injury: An Oblique Strain Sidelines Sanders
During the early throwing drills of Wednesday’s joint practice with the Eagles, Shedeur Sanders felt discomfort and was diagnosed with an oblique strain. The Browns promptly held him out of the remainder of the session as a precaution. According to reports, further medical testing confirmed the strain, and Sanders is now considered day-to-day. This news, while not catastrophic, is a setback for a rookie trying to climb the depth chart.
- What is an oblique strain? It’s an injury to the muscles on the side of the abdomen, often caused by twisting or sudden movements, common in throwing sports like football.
- Impact on play: Oblique injuries can limit a quarterback’s ability to throw with power and accuracy, as the core is critical for rotational movements.
- Timeline: The Browns have stated Sanders is unlikely to practice on August 14 and may miss the upcoming preseason game against the Eagles on August 16.
This injury comes at a tough time, as Sanders was slated to get valuable reps against a top-tier Eagles defense, an opportunity to showcase his skills after a strong debut.
Sanders’ Preseason Performance: A Promising Start
Before the injury, Sanders made a case for himself in Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025. In a 30-10 victory, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, threw two touchdowns, and added 19 rushing yards on four carries. His 106.8 passer rating had fans buzzing about his potential to challenge for a starting role, despite being listed as the fourth quarterback on the unofficial depth chart.
- Standout moments: Sanders showed poise, scrambling for first downs and making tight-window throws for touchdowns.
- Areas for growth: He admitted to mistakes during the game, even apologizing to his father, Deion Sanders, for not fully executing the game plan.
His performance was a reminder of why many saw him as a steal in the fifth round, but this injury could slow his momentum in a competitive quarterback room.
The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is, to put it mildly, complicated. With Deshaun Watson on injured reserve with a torn Achilles, the Browns are juggling four quarterbacks: veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders. Injuries have plagued the group, with Pickett and Gabriel both dealing with hamstring issues earlier in camp. The addition of Tyler Huntley as depth further muddies the waters.
- Current depth chart: Flacco leads, followed by Pickett, with Sanders and Gabriel vying for third.
- Injury woes: Pickett missed time with a hamstring injury, Gabriel is recovering from one, and now Sanders’ oblique strain adds to the chaos.
- Week 1 implications: Flacco is the likely starter for the regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Sanders’ and Gabriel’s injuries could delay a clear resolution to the competition.
The Browns have two remaining preseason games—against the Eagles and the Rams on August 23—to sort out their quarterback hierarchy.
Reactions from Teammates and Coaches
The injury news sparked reactions from key figures. Veteran Joe Flacco, who took first-team reps in Sanders’ absence, expressed empathy, noting how tough it is for young players to miss reps during a competition. “It’s kinda tough,” Flacco said. “We all want to be out there… sometimes these things happen.” Meanwhile, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was seen chatting with Sanders post-practice, offering support and a ride back to the locker room. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, while cautious, remains optimistic about Sanders’ recovery, emphasizing the day-to-day status.
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
The big question is how this injury will affect Sanders’ chances of making the Browns’ roster or climbing the depth chart. Former NFL doctor David Chao suggested that if this were the regular season, Sanders might play through the injury, indicating it’s not severe. However, with the Browns prioritizing caution, Sanders’ next chance to shine may come in the final preseason game against the Rams. Missing reps now could hurt his case, especially with Gabriel also pushing for a spot.
- Recovery focus: Sanders needs rest and rehab to ensure the oblique strain doesn’t linger.
- Roster outlook: With only three quarterbacks likely to make the final roster, Sanders faces pressure to prove his worth.
- Long-term potential: His preseason debut showed he could be a long-term answer for Cleveland, but consistency and health are key.
For now, Sanders is focused on healing and getting back on the field to continue his promising rookie campaign.
In conclusion, Shedeur Sanders’ oblique injury is a frustrating setback for a rookie who was starting to make waves. While the Browns navigate their quarterback carousel, Sanders’ health and ability to bounce back will be critical. Fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his momentum and challenge for a bigger role. Stay tuned for updates as the preseason unfolds.