Shedeur Sanders is the most polarizing backup quarterback in the NFL. The son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders is no stranger to making headlines.
The Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback is waiting for his opportunity to see his first regular-season NFL game action and take the field with the starters. Unfortunately, head coach Kevin Stefanski shared some concerning news on Monday that could impact when he sees his first game action.
Shedeur Sanders Continues to Work Through a Back Injury
Sanders first popped up on the injury report on October 25, ahead of the Browns’ week eight game against the New England Patriots, with a back injury. He was ruled out for that game, and with a bye in week nine, the hope was that he would be ready to return to the field in week 10.
Sadly, that may not be the case for Sanders, and his status for Week 10 remains uncertain.
The former Colorado standout quarterback is “still dealing with the back injury but getting better,” said Stefanski.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said backup QB Shedeur Sanders is “still dealing with the back injury but getting better.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 3, 2025
Sanders remained sidelined at Monday’s practice, allowing additional reps for practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe, who is behind starter Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel got the first crack at the starting quarterback job over Sanders around the time the team traded away its starter, Joe Flacco, to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Among 38 qualified quarterbacks, Gabriel ranks No. 37 in PFSN’s 2025 quarterback impact rankings with a 52.3 (F) score, ahead of only Jake Browning, whom Flacco has since replaced.
Gabriel has appeared in six games, starting four; Cleveland has a 1-3 record in his starts. He has completed 59.9% of his passes for 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Could Cleveland Make a Change at Quarterback in 2025?
The Browns enter week 10 with a 2-6 record and sit in last place in the AFC North. With a potential top-five draft pick in their future once again, Cleveland will have to decide on whether Gabriel or Sanders is a part of their future as a starting quarterback.
Cleveland ranks dead last in the NFL in PFSN’s 2025 offense impact rankings with a 54.6 (F) score. After a rocky start, the Browns are shaking things up offensively, hoping it can provide a spark for the team.
“Browns HC Kevin Stefanski is giving up play calling to OC Tommy Rees,” said Ari Meirov, NFL insider for The 33rd Team. “This is now the second straight season Stefanski has given it up.”
If Gabriel doesn’t flash enough upside to prove to Cleveland that he can be their quarterback of the future, Sanders could find himself under center down the stretch for Cleveland.
Furthermore, if Cleveland continues to struggle, Stefanski may find himself on the hot seat and could turn to Sanders as a last-ditch effort to spark his team for a few wins down the stretch to keep his job.
As has been the case for much of the 2025 season, all eyes will be on the quarterback room in Cleveland. Sanders’ health and Gabriel’s play will be worth monitoring as Cleveland tries to figure out if they have a franchise quarterback on their roster.