Amid a 2-5 start to the season, many Cleveland Browns fans are primarily focused on the possibility of backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders getting in-game snaps. However, even if head coach Kevin Stefanski decides—or is forced—to move off starter Dillon Gabriel during Sunday’s road game against the New England Patriots, Sanders may not be available.
Originally without a designation, Sanders is now listed as questionable with a back injury, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. In anticipation of Sanders’ potential absence, former Patriots QB Bailey Zappe will be elevated from the practice squad.
Sanders is already competing for the No. 1 spot on the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, and with the team possibly targeting another QB in the 2026 NFL Draft, any personal setback could put his future prospects in Cleveland at risk. While Sanders is not a typical Day 3 draft pick, it’s worth noting that fifth-round selections generally have a narrow window of opportunity to prove themselves.
Both Sanders and the Browns will continue monitoring his back injury closely and proceed accordingly. Meanwhile, quarterback-related discussions among fans and analysts are expected to intensify. The pressing question remains: Will the Browns resolve their quarterback situation before the offseason?
Shedeur Sanders is among the most polarizing rookies in recent memory, making the Browns more newsworthy than most sub-.500 teams. It’s a challenging situation not only for Sanders, a former Colorado star and 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, but also for Dillon Gabriel, a 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist who is focused on competently leading the offense despite significant roster limitations.
Fans understand the difficulties that come with a rebuild, especially with this franchise, but they also demand clarity. Ideally, the Browns will determine whether Gabriel or Sanders is a viable long-term option under center before investing a high draft pick in a new quarterback.
Regardless of how things unfold, both rookies must capitalize on every opportunity they receive. Any official game reps could serve as auditions for potential future employers. Before Sanders even has the chance to showcase his abilities on the field, however, he must first get healthy.
Cleveland will make its final decision regarding Sanders’ injury status ahead of Sunday’s 1 p.m. kickoff.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/browns-news-shedeur-sanders-back-injury-ahead-patriots-clash
