Shedeur Sanders Injury: Browns QB Sidelined with Oblique Strain During 2025 Preseason
Shedeur Sanders Injury: Browns QB Sidelined with Oblique Strain During 2025 Preseason
By Michell Harrison, CUauntie.com Staff Writer
Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 preseason took an unexpected turn during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles as rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders suffered an oblique injury. The setback has left the young signal-caller unlikely to play in remaining preseason action, creating ripple effects through Cleveland’s training camp preparations.
Shedeur Sanders, the electrifying rookie QB and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, had been turning heads throughout training camp before the injury occurred. With the regular season looming, the Browns must now carefully manage their prized rookie’s recovery timeline.
How the Shedeur Sanders Injury Happened
The injury occurred during 11-on-11 drills when Sanders felt immediate discomfort after launching a deep pass. Team medical staff quickly attended to the first-year quarterback, with subsequent evaluation revealing an oblique strain. The timing couldn’t be worse, with joint practices representing critical evaluation periods before roster cuts.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed reporters, stating, “Shedeur is day-to-day. We’re taking the conservative route because it’s early in camp, and we want him at full strength when it matters most.” While not considered season-threatening, oblique injuries often require 3-4 weeks of recovery, potentially keeping Sanders sidelined through the preseason.
Impact on the Browns’ 2025 Preseason Plans
- With Sanders unlikely to play in upcoming games, the quarterback responsibilities shift to:
- Deshaun Watson (handling first-team reps)
- Dillon Gabriel (rookie backup seeing increased action)
- Tyler Huntley (providing veteran depth)
- The Browns face the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers in preseason action before their Week 1 clash with Baltimore. Sanders’ absence means more snaps for Gabriel, the undrafted rookie who’s impressed coaches with his quick adaptation to NFL speed during training camp.
- Historical Context: Oblique Injuries in the NFL
- Recent NFL history shows the delicate nature of oblique strains:
- Patrick Mahomes (2019): Missed 2 games
- Dak Prescott (2020): Played through discomfort with reduced effectiveness
- Justin Herbert (2021): Required 4 weeks of recovery
- The Browns’ medical staff will likely prioritize proper healing over rushing Sanders back, especially with Watson established as the starter.
- Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
- #BrownsTwitter erupted with mixed reactions:
“Brutal timing for Shedeur! These joint practices are so valuable for rookies.” – @CLEfilmroom
“Dillon Gabriel about to get his chance. Kid’s been balling in camp!” – @DawgPoundDaily - Many fans noted the silver lining of evaluating other quarterbacks, though all expressed hope for Sanders’ swift recovery.
- What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
- The Browns’ decision not to place Sanders on IR suggests optimism about his Week 1 availability. However, the team will likely:
- Shut him down from game action
- Focus on rehabilitation
- Gradually reintegrate him into practice
- Final Thoughts
- While preseason injuries always sting, the Browns have the quarterback depth to weather this storm. All eyes now turn to how Dillon Gabriel performs with increased reps and whether Sanders can make up lost ground before the regular season.
- Stay tuned to CUauntie.com for continuing coverage of Shedeur Sanders’ recovery and all your Cleveland Browns training camp updates.
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