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Browns Announce Shedeur Sanders News Before Patriots Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns face the New England Patriots on the road in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is set to make his fourth career start.

Of course, he earned the starting spot before the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. The trade meant Shedeur Sanders moved from third to second string, now serving as Gabriel's backup.

Sanders has yet to make a regular-season appearance, patiently waiting for his opportunity. Earlier this week, Sanders made headlines after head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed Sanders hasn't been getting any practice reps with the first-team offense.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12).Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

However, if Gabriel struggles or gets hurt, Sanders' moment could come at any time. The rookie fifth-round selection has been available throughout the season, not missing any regular-season games due to injury.

That may not be the case anymore, though. On Saturday, just a day before taking on the Patriots, the Browns announced Sanders had been added to the injury report with a back injury and is questionable.

"The #Browns are adding backup QB Shedeur Sanders to the injury report after his back tightened up," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. "Sanders will be listed as questionable, and Bailey Zappe will be elevated from the practice squad as a precaution in case he needs to back up Dillon Gabriel."

The #Browns are adding backup QB Shedeur Sanders to the injury report after his back tightened up.

Sanders will be listed as questionable, and Bailey Zappe will be elevated from the practice squad as a precaution in case he needs to back up Dillon Gabriel.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2025

Back injuries aren't new for the 23-year-old Sanders. According to ESPN, Sanders missed the Colorado Buffaloes' 2023 season finale against the Utah Utes after suffering a fracture in his back.

He is questionable, though, meaning he still has the opportunity to suit up against the Patriots. The Browns have until 90 minutes before game time to make an official decision.

If Sanders is ruled out, the fourth-year veteran Zappe will serve as Gabriel's backup after being elevated from the practice squad.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Gillette Stadium, airing on Fox.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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