After getting selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders is currently competing in a four-way quarterback competition in Cleveland. So far, the 23-year-old rookie has impressed in training camp, but unfortunately, he recently dealt with a setback.
Sanders didn’t get any reps on Day 9 of the Browns’ training camp, which surprised many. However, after practice was over, it was reported that the quarterback suffered an injury, and the team decided to keep him out of action.
Latest on Shedeur Sanders’ Injury in Training Camp
ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed that Sanders is dealing with shoulder soreness. As a result, only Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco got the reps today in the Browns’ training camp.
Kenny Pickett is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered this past week and has been limited in practice. As for Sanders, the extent of the injury is not known. According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, he did run “post-practice sprints with wide receivers.”
In Sanders and Pickett’s absence, Gabriel and Flacco had the opportunity to impress the coaches. However, both failed to put together a strong practice, and the race for the Browns’ QB1 remains wide open.
According to ESPN Cleveland, Flacco went 11-for-18 with a touchdown pass in today’s practice. In comparison, Gabriel did not play well either, completing just 50% of his throws and finishing 11-for-22 with one touchdown pass.
Day 9 of Browns training camp is in the books. Here’s how all 3 QBs performed in team drills.
Shedeur Sanders got NO team reps today. pic.twitter.com/YYm7xoqheV
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 2, 2025
Sanders has performed well in training camp so far and has made the most of his limited opportunities. It remains to be seen whether the shoulder injury will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Fans in Cleveland have leaned toward the former Colorado star becoming the team’s starting quarterback. But, as a fifth-round pick, Sanders will likely get fewer opportunities to prove himself compared to Gabriel, who was selected in the third round.
Before getting hurt, Sanders performed significantly better than Gabriel in practice. On Day 8 of training camp, here’s how the two rookies fared:
- Sanders: 7/10 for a touchdown pass, and no interceptions.
- Gabriel: 3/14 for no touchdowns and one interception.
Day 8 of Browns training camp is a wrap. Here’s how all 3 QBs performed in team drills.
Kenny Pickett practiced but didn’t do team drills. pic.twitter.com/HLLzDx7ro6
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 1, 2025
As of now, the team will likely lean toward starting Flacco in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but things could change during the preseason games.
Sanders, Pickett, and Gabriel could still climb the depth chart, as none of the quarterbacks has clearly separated himself in the race to become QB1. Hopefully, all of them will stay healthy in the lead-up to the regular season.
