Shedeur Sanders Latest Injury Update: Will the Browns QB Return vs. the Jets?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a back injury that kept him out of the team’s last game against the New England Patriots. Head coach Kevin Stefanski shared a fresh update on Sanders’ condition, confirming that the rookie signal-caller is “still dealing with the back injury but getting better.”

The Browns were on a bye this week, but questions around their quarterback room have not slowed down. With Dillon Gabriel struggling in his recent starts and the offense ranked near the bottom of the league, fans are eager to see whether Sanders will get his first real chance under center soon.

Shedeur Sanders’ Back Injury and Current Status

Sanders was ruled inactive before the Browns’ loss to the Patriots after a brief 15-minute pregame workout. According to Stefanski, the 22-year-old quarterback is improving but not yet fully cleared for full practice participation. “He’s progressing, but we’ll continue to evaluate day by day,” Stefanski said earlier this week, as reported by Daniel Oyefusi.

So far this season, Sanders has served as Cleveland’s backup quarterback following the trade of veteran Joe Flacco. However, his injury surfaced unexpectedly, forcing Bailey Zappe to serve as the emergency QB behind Gabriel. The setback came at a critical time, as growing frustrations with Gabriel’s inconsistency have sparked fan calls for a change at the position.

Gabriel’s current stat line — 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions through four games — tells part of the story. Both interceptions came in the recent blowout loss to New England, and his 1–3 record as a starter has only intensified speculation that Sanders could soon step in once healthy.

What It Means for Cleveland’s Offense

The Browns’ offense has struggled significantly, averaging just 15.8 points and 263.5 total yards per game. Both marks rank among the bottom three in the NFL. Stefanski’s decision to hand over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees signals a major attempt to revitalize the team’s attack ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the New York Jets.

Sanders’ potential availability could provide the spark Cleveland desperately needs. Known for his poise and accuracy during his college career at Colorado, the rookie’s dual-threat ability offers a different dimension than Gabriel’s pocket-passing style. Still, the coaching staff is expected to proceed cautiously, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain.

If Sanders is cleared for practice this week, he could dress as the primary backup or even push for the starting role depending on Gabriel’s performance. The Browns’ medical team will continue monitoring his back condition closely in the coming days.

Outlook and Possible Return Timeline

While Stefanski did not provide a specific timetable for Sanders’ return, sources around the team suggest optimism that he may suit up for Sunday’s game against the Jets if his back responds well to treatment. A final decision is expected later this week once the team resumes full practice sessions.

As of now, the Shedeur Sanders latest injury update points toward gradual progress but no guaranteed return date. Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains fluid, but a healthy Sanders could soon get his long-awaited shot to lead the Browns’ struggling offense.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest on Shedeur Sanders’ injury?

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders is still recovering from a back injury but showing improvement. His return status is week-to-week.

Q2: Will Shedeur Sanders play against the Jets?

The Browns are hopeful but noncommittal. Stefanski said the team will evaluate Sanders’ condition throughout the week before deciding.

Q3: Why was Shedeur Sanders ruled out last week?

Sanders was inactive due to lingering back discomfort despite completing a brief pregame workout before the Patriots game.

Q4: Could Shedeur Sanders replace Dillon Gabriel as starter?

Possibly. With the Browns’ offense struggling and Gabriel underperforming, a healthy Sanders could get his first NFL start soon.

Q5: Who is calling plays for the Browns now?

Head coach Kevin Stefanski handed over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees in hopes of boosting the offense.