Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns are off to a rough start in 2025. Through their first eight games, they sit 2-6 and dead last in the AFC North. Of course, Cleveland has been led so far by Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel, as Sanders patiently waits his turn.
However, he had to set the record straight about one thing with reporters.
Shedeur Sanders Responds to Reporters’ Questions about sitting out
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during warm up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during warm up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was ruled inactive for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots due to a reported back injury, and his reaction afterward brought attention to his standing with the Browns.
What happened
Sanders was added to the Browns’ injury report on Saturday as questionable with a back issue, and the team made the decision Sunday not to activate him. Newsweek+1
Instead of Sanders, the Browns elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to serve as the backup behind starter Dillon Gabriel for the contest. Newsweek
Before the game, Sanders participated in a 15-minute warm-up and passing session, and was observed looking “fine” in the limited workout. Yet, the Browns still opted to rule him out for the game. Newsweek
Sanders’ comments
Following the decision, Sanders made it clear that:
“It wasn’t my decision to sit out. I guarantee I’m going to be good on the injury.” Newsweek
He’s asserting that the choice to list him inactive was not his, and he remains confident he’ll recover.
What the Browns said
Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that while Sanders came into Saturday with the injury, and the team was hopeful he could play, after the warm-up they determined he was “not ready to play.” He expressed optimism that Sanders is improving day by day.
Why it matters
Sanders was already in a developmental role behind Gabriel, and his inability to dress for the game raises questions about how quickly the Browns intend to rely on him.
The fact that he looked capable during warm-ups but still was ruled out has stirred speculation among fans and media about how the team views his readiness and long-term role. Newsweek+1
For Sanders himself, it’s an early test of patience and resilience: he voiced his frustration but also maintained faith in his recovery and future chances.
What to watch
Whether Sanders shows up on upcoming injury reports and how quickly he returns to full participation in practice.
How the Browns adjust their quarterback depth chart in the wake of this decision — whether Sanders remains as backup or if Gabriel solidifies his role further.
The narrative around Sanders’ development and relationship with the team: this inactive status could impact perceptions of his readiness and the organization’s confidence in him.
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