The Cleveland Browns’ handling of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has turned into one of the more confusing storylines of their season. Once seen as a potential first-round pick, he fell to the fifth round before landing in Cleveland. Since then, things haven’t gone as planned.
Sanders started the year as the Browns’ third-string QB and was promoted to backup after Joe Flacco’s trade but he’s yet to take a single snap. Now, with a lingering back injury, his future in Cleveland feels uncertain.
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While doubts swirl in Cleveland, NFL legend Aaron Rodgers recently stepped up to defend Sanders. Rodgers pushed back against those who questioned whether the former Jackson State star could compete at the FBS or NFL level.
MORE: Browns reporter demands answer regarding Shedeur Sanders’ future
“He played at Jackson State, but he can’t play big-time college football, right? 510 yards week one. Come on,” Rodgers said. He also praised Travis Hunter, calling him “incredible” and saying both Shedeur and Hunter “love that shit too… We want to hear the doubters.”
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👀 Aaron Rodger’s on @ShedeurSanders being doubted about being able to play at the FBS level because he came from a HBCU .
Shedeur had 510 yards game 1 with Colorado.
The league knows he can play , they are just hoping that we somehow forget . #IRemember pic.twitter.com/7jSzrkCW5d
— Change7he Narrative (@change7he68182) November 6, 2025
Reports from insiders like Mary Kay Cabot note that the Browns are taking things slow with him.
“He was upbeat. He brings a light vibe to practice all the time,” she shared. “They’re just taking it slow with him to try to get him to Sunday.”
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Still, some local analysts are skeptical. ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi openly questioned, “How could he have three different injuries without even taking No. 1 reps? … I’m wondering, does he want to play?” Host Tony Rizzo agreed, adding, “Either these are made-up injuries or somebody doesn’t want him to play or he doesn’t want to play.”
As for now, Sanders has returned to limited practice but remains listed as questionable for Week 10. Whether he’ll suit up as QB2 against the Jets remains to be seen.
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