Shedeur Sanders addresses arm soreness injury concerns

As the Cleveland Browns entered the start of last week, there seemed to be a road clearing that might provide Shedeur Sanders an increase in first team reps.

No player wants to see another guy go down to injury. However, every football player is wired to understand the 'next man up' concept. Joe Flacco is enter season 18 and is 40 years old. Kenny Pickett was nursing a hamstring injury that would not keep him out for an extended period of time. As well as Dillon Gabriel, who was struggling in previous days. The path to more reps seemed apparent.

Surprisingly to everyone in attendance, media and fans alike, not seeing Shedeur came as a bit of a shock. A player in Shedeur's situation would most likely have to be told to stand down. He's not going to give away opportunities unless there was a good reason for it. Customarily, if a player is going to be out of action, Kevin Stefanski will inform at least some of the media of that before practice.

For example, on that day, they were informed Myles Garrett is taking the day off for basic rest management. No such information was passed along regarding Shedeur. On Monday, he met with the media and addressed the arm soreness.

"I'm well, I'm well. Back at practice so I'm thankful."

The first question was related to the arm soreness, inquiring if he's ever experienced this before? Shedeur quickly confirmed "Yes, in college". He made it seem like this was not uncommon in college.

Yes, Sheduer took rest days, not unlike but less than his Heisman Trophy winning teammate Travis Hunter. To suggest it was common at Colorado is a stretch, but Shedeur did have certain rest days. Specifically after games where he took an excessive amount of hits and sacks. However, that situation and this situation is not exactly apples to apples.

At CU, Shedeur was the unquestioned starter. His starting position had long since been cemented before rest days. While NFL rest days in early August might not be ideal, Shedeur gave some indication as to why he would sit out when the timing was not ideal.

What he said, speaks to the difference between being the unquestioned starter and someone who is not seeing consistent reps.

"It was just the starting and stopping, that's all it truly is. You know sometimes you'll go in hot, then you'll get cold, then back hot, then cold. My arm and body just wasn't used to that. So its just an adjustment with the body."

Shedeur confirmed he's feeling 100 percent. In a surprising twist, a great deal has been made by Cleveland media about his willingness to 'self report' the soreness to the team. Considering he is in a 4-way QB competition. Suggesting this came at exactly the worst possible time.

With Flacco not taking a ton of reps, Pickett coming off a hamstring injury, for him to take himself out must've meant it was necessary. Prior to the self reported soreness, Dillon Gabriel saw an increase in reps and it did not go well. 3 of 14 was followed up by 50% completions in his next opportunity. Shedeur seemed to have the presence of mind to realize, good reps are better than just additional reps when he isn't exactly himself physically.

"I always hear my dad's voice in my mind, its always bone or blood. You know his motto and you know his slang with everything. Of course I was definitely hearing his voice in the back of my head. But, at the end of the day I want to be productive, I want to give you the best work, I want to be at my best at all times.

Tony Grossi, long time beat reporter and arguably the biggest Gabriel supporter in the Cleveland media ended the arm soreness line of questioning when asking if Shedeur needed an MRI. Shedeur responded with an abrupt, "for what?" Before moving on from the question that didn't needed to be asked. Grossi doubled down and followed up with, "So it didn't happen?" Shedeur looked his way, cracked a smile, gave a slight disapproving side to side head shake and said, "Buddy, come on now…".

The arm soreness and subsequent rest day, while not ideal, speaks to something larger. Its self awareness and understanding the situation. No one willing to speak on it, actually views Shedeur as a 5th round talent, but that is the hill he needs to climb.

Having presence of mind to the situation or perhaps watching Gabriel stumble with the ones gave Shedeur situational clarity. He is much less likely to advance his opportunities if he goes out there and is physically unable to perform like 'himself'.

Without official confirmation the team seems unwilling to provide, one has to believe this was a precautionary measure. Most likely supported by the team upon hearing of the soreness.