The Cleveland Browns’ signal-caller, Shedeur Sanders, didn’t endure an extended period away from the field due to his oblique issue. The Browns’ first-year player was back in action on Wednesday.
Sanders was involved in 11-on-11 drills, representing a notable advancement for the rookie.
While Sanders wasn’t active in Tuesday’s practice, he was able to throw, setting the stage for his return on Wednesday.
Sanders sustained the injury during a practice session on August 13 and experienced limitations for almost a full week. He was unable to participate in the team’s second exhibition game because of the issue.
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The news was met with disappointment from Browns supporters, who witnessed Sanders accumulate 103 passing yards and two touchdowns in a surprising preseason start. That showing might have secured Sanders additional opportunities in practice and exhibition contests, but the oblique injury halted his progress.
Significant changes occurred within the quarterback group while Sanders was limited by the injury. The Browns designated veteran Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback to commence the 2025 NFL season. Former first-round selection Kenny Pickett, whom the Browns acquired via an offseason trade, returned to practice on Tuesday after being sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Pickett, conversely, did not partake in Wednesday’s practice. It was a scheduled absence, as Pickett will not be playing in the team’s final preseason game.
The Browns face some challenging decisions leading up to the roster reduction deadline. The team entered training camp with four quarterbacks vying for positions on the team: Flacco, Pickett, Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.
Flacco is assured of making the final roster after securing the starting role. Pickett could also be safe if the team is prepared to keep him out of its final exhibition game.
That could potentially leave either Gabriel or Sanders as the odd man out. Reaching a decision on either player could prove difficult, as both have missed time this preseason. Sanders impressed in his debut before missing the team’s second game with his injury. Gabriel — who was drafted two rounds ahead of Sanders — missed the team’s initial preseason game with a hamstring injury before delivering a mediocre performance in the Browns’ second preseason game.
The team could choose to retain all four players, an option that general manager Andrew Berry indicated was possible, although that prospect could become more complicated once those decisions need to be finalized.
Assuming Sanders continues to develop positively following his oblique injury, he and Gabriel should both accumulate additional reps on film during the Browns’ concluding preseason game on Saturday.
At that juncture, the Browns’ management will have just a few days to ascertain which players will secure spots on the final 53-man roster before Tuesday’s cut-down day.
