Browns’ Shedeur Sanders suffers oblique injury, unlikely to play next game

Shedeur Sanders got good news early Wednesday when the Cleveland Browns announced that he would start their next preseason game if Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel were still injured.

However, the rookie quarterback suffered an injury himself, potentially hurting his own chances.

Skepticism was out when it was learned that Sanders did not get any team reps during Wednesday’s practice. Afterward, the Browns revealed Sanders had suffered an oblique injury.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up during a practice, Friday, July 25, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Sanders got hurt while throwing early in practice, and was held out for the remainder of the practice period. The team later announced it was a strain, adding that he will not practice on Thursday and is unlikely to play on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sanders got the starting nod last Friday against the Carolina Panthers and impressed. He was 14-for-23 passing with 138 yards and two touchdowns.

The odds were already stacked against Sanders, as he’s in a crowded quarterback room that includes Pickett, Gabriel (who was drafted two rounds ahead of Sanders), and Joe Flacco. Deshaun Watson is also rehabbing a twice-torn Achilles.

Sanders has been listed as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart, behind Flacco, Pickett and Gabriel, respectively.

Joe Flacco throws as Shedeur Sanders looks on during Browns training camp July 25, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. (Jeff Lange/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

PACKERS ROOKIE MATTHEW GOLDEN SURPRISES GRANDMA WITH BRAND NEW HOME: ‘SHE’S LIVING GOOD’

When pressed further about when a decision will come on the season starter, head coach Kevin Stefanski said they will have a better idea following this week’s contest. 

“I think you take everything into account, but we’ll see how we get through this week and then make a decision – make a decision on when to make a decision,” he said.

Flacco has taken the majority of first team reps with Pickett still limited because of a hamstring injury. Gabriel, too, is nursing a hamstring.

Earlier in camp, Sanders had to wait patiently to get reps with the first team, as the three other quarterbacks all did so. He has been getting the majority of his reps with third-stringers, but he said it “doesn’t really faze me.”

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders lines up against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 8, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Sanders also dealt with shoulder soreness earlier this month.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.