by: Alex Byington 15 minutes ago _AlexByington
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders reportedly suffered an oblique strain early during Wednesday’s joint practice in Philadelphia and is “unlikely to play” in Saturday’s preseason game against the host Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Wednesday’s injury and subsequent absence Saturday is a clear setback for Sanders, who impressed many with his play in last Friday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers . The injury comes just days after Sanders had a breakout performance in his first start as a professional quarterback, when the 2025 fifth-round pick out of Colorado completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Friday’s preseason game against the Panthers. Sanders also tallied 19 rushing yards on four carries.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders suffered an oblique strain today, will not practice Thursday, and is unlikely to play on Saturday vs. the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/sDVfMDh6Vz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2025
While Sanders’ timeframe for recovery isn’t clear yet, the lost of valuable practice reps could be viewed as a detriment to any progress made in last week’s preseason game. Sanders continues to battle for opportunities in the Browns’ loaded quarterback room that also includes veterans Joe Flacco , Kenny Pickett and newly-signed Tyler Huntley , as well as fellow rookie and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel out of Oregon .
Jalen Hurts offers Shedeur Sanders advice following first preseason game
One quarterback is six months removed from a MVP performance in Super Bowl LIX , and the other is fresh off an impressive preseason performance in his first NFL start as a rookie fifth-round draft pick.