Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders sidelined with oblique injury, unlikely to play against Eagles

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was forced to sit out of practice on Thursday due to an oblique injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sanders sustained the injury during drills prior to Wednesday’s practice session, with the Browns in Philadelphia for joint practices ahead of Saturday’s game. The team has labeled Sanders as day-to-day, indicating that his return timeline remains uncertain.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Sanders would be sidelined for a period of time, emphasizing the need to prioritize his health given his role as a quarterback. Stefanski highlighted the importance of the oblique muscle for a thrower like Sanders, necessitating caution in his recovery process.

While Sanders has not been ruled out for Saturday’s game, backup quarterback Joe Flacco will not be available to play against the Eagles. In his absence, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley and Dillon Gabriel are expected to see increased playing time, with Kenny Pickett limited by a hamstring injury.

In his NFL preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders impressed by completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and throwing two first-half touchdown passes to Kaden Davis. Despite his standout performance, Sanders fell to the fifth round of the NFL draft, surprising many given his collegiate success and recognition.

As the eighth-place finisher in Heisman Trophy voting last season for Colorado, Sanders set a school record with 4,134 passing yards. Stefanski expressed empathy for Sanders and other injured players, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged and prepared despite missing practice reps.

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in football, but Sanders remains determined to make an impact for the Browns once he returns to full health. Fans can stay updated on Sanders’ progress and the team’s preseason journey through the AP NFL coverage.

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