Browns News
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Returns to Practice, But Starting Role Remains Unclear
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will return to practice on Wednesday after missing the team’s Week 8 game against the New England Patriots with a back injury. Sanders was sidelined for Cleveland’s most recent contest. The Browns had a bye in Week 9, giving Sanders additional time to recover. The team has not disclosed specific details about the nature or severity of the back injury. Sanders was listed as limited in Wednesday’s practice session.
The fifth-round pick out of Colorado appears on track to be active for the Browns’ Week 10 matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday. However, his return to practice does not signal an imminent change at the starting quarterback position. If Sanders is healthy enough to suit up, he would likely serve as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, but at this point… why not start?
Gabriel has started four of the six games he has appeared in this season. He has completed 59.9 percent of his pass attempts for 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. His production has been modest, but the Browns coaching staff has not indicated any plans to replace him as the starter.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation has been closely watched, given the team’s 2-6 record through eight games. The Browns entered the season with uncertainty at the position following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury in 2024. The team brought in veteran Joe Flacco and traded for Kenny Pickett during the offseason before adding Gabriel and Sanders in the draft.
Flacco started the season opener but was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals after Week 3. Gabriel took over as the starter in Week 5 and has held the role since. Pickett has dealt with injuries throughout the season and has not been the primary option.
Sanders was considered a potential first-round pick by some analysts before the draft but fell to the fifth round, where Cleveland selected him with the 144th overall pick. His father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, coaches at Colorado. The younger Sanders started his college career at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado for his final two seasons.
The Browns face the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 PM EST. New York enters the matchup with a 1-7 record after winning just once in their first eight games. The Jets recently traded away cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, signaling a shift toward rebuilding.
Cleveland’s offense has struggled throughout the season, averaging 18.4 points per game, which ranks 27th in the NFL. The passing game has been particularly anemic, with the Browns ranking last in passing yards per game at 174.9. Gabriel’s limited production reflects broader offensive line and receiving issues that have plagued the unit.
For fantasy purposes, neither Gabriel nor Sanders carries standalone value in standard leagues. Gabriel has yet to throw for more than 150 yards in a single start and has topped 20 fantasy points just once. His rushing ability provides a modest floor, but the Browns’ offensive struggles limit his upside.
Sanders would need to claim the starting job to become fantasy relevant. Even then, the Browns’ offensive environment offers little appeal for quarterback streaming. The team’s weapons are limited, with tight end David Njoku serving as the primary pass-catching threat.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski typically addresses the media following Wednesday practices. His comments could provide additional clarity on Sanders’ health status and Gabriel’s security as the starter. The team must submit its first official injury report on Wednesday afternoon.
Thursday and Friday practice reports will determine Sanders’ game status for Sunday. Limited participation Wednesday suggests he may need additional work before being cleared for game action. The Browns have not placed him on injured reserve at any point this season.
