Shedeur Sanders has decided to remain in Cleveland during the bye week, focusing on treatment for a back issue rather than returning to Boulder to be with his father, Deion Sanders.
The rookie quarterback aims to be ready when his opportunity comes as Halloween approaches, despite the fact that Sanders still hasn’t taken the field for the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL season.
Joe Flacco has moved on, Dillon Gabriel has struggled, and yet the team’s head coach, Kevin Stefanski, plans to start the Oregon Ducks graduate against the New York Jets in Week 10 over Sanders.
Regardless, Sanders confirmed his choice to stay in Cleveland during a live stream:
“I’m not coming to CU homecoming,” the 23-year-old Shedeur said. “I wish I could though.
“I got treatment out here. I gotta get ready. Big ready.”
The rookie quarterback suffered a back issue before the Week 8 game against New England, causing the Browns to place him on injured reserve. He has since focused entirely on recovery and strengthening for future opportunities.
During the livestream, Sanders also addressed fans asking about his health saying that he’s on the path to recovery.
While Sanders hasn’t yet secured the starting quarterback role, his commitment to the team and recovery is clear as the Colorado Buffaloes product wants to contribute and eventually lead the offense during his rookie season.
Quarterback uncertainty continues in Cleveland. Gabriel has lost three of his first four starts, including a 32-13 defeat to the Patriots, fueling calls from fans to give Coach Prime‘s son a chance after the bye week.
Browns beat writer Brad Stainbrook highlighted the growing fan pressure on social media, reporting that Sanders “liked” an Instagram post urging the team to start him against the Jets. Sanders‘ support of the post signals his readiness.
“I’ve seen enough of Dillon Gabriel,” Stainbrook said. “It’s time for the Browns to start getting Shedeur Sanders ready after the bye week.
“Give him two weeks to take time, settle in, and make his first NFL start.”
Despite calls for change, Stefanski remains firm in starting Gabriel. The rookie quarterback must continue his recovery while preparing mentally and physically for his eventual NFL debut, keeping his long-term development in mind.
Who do the Cleveland Browns play next? Date, time and where to watch
The Browns will face the New York Jets in Week 10 after the bye week. The game is scheduled for Sunday, November 10, with kickoff at 13:00 ET/10:00 PT.
Fans can watch on CBS, with local radio broadcasts providing additional coverage with the Jets are coming off a strong run, making this matchup a significant test for Cleveland‘s struggling offense.
Both teams aim to capitalize on the bye week to make key adjustments for this crucial AFC clash and Sanders‘ stay in Cleveland positions him to observe, learn, and integrate with the offense – potentially preparing to be called up.
While maintaining his health, allowing the rookie quarterback remains on call for Kevin Stefanski, should he be ordered to step in for Dillon Gabriel.
The Browns‘ quarterback situation remains one of the NFL’s most closely watched stories, and fans will be eager to see if Sanders finally gets his first start following the bye week.
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