Browns Questionable Shedeur Sanders Status Ahead Week 8 Patriots Game

The Cleveland Browns are navigating a challenging 2025 season marked by a 2-5 record and uncertainty at the quarterback position. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been named the starter but has struggled in his first three games, while Shedeur Sanders, the team's fifth-round draft pick, has been held back partly due to a back injury and the coaching staff's cautious approach to his development. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has expressed confidence in head coach Kevin Stefanski's leadership and indicated the decision on Sanders' playing time rests with the coaches, although Sanders remains sidelined with a back issue as the team prepares for Week 8 against the New England Patriots. In response to Sanders' injury, the Browns elevated Bailey Zappe from the practice squad as a precautionary backup, highlighting the depth concerns at the quarterback position. Despite fan optimism about Sanders' potential, the team has prioritized Gabriel, who replaced Joe Flacco after Flacco was traded to a division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns appear to be in a transition phase, with the possibility of pursuing quarterback talent in the upcoming 2026 draft, signaling ongoing evaluation of their franchise quarterback situation.