### Shedeur Sanders' Injury Sparks Controversy Among Browns Fans Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been ruled out for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots due to a back injury, leading to skepticism among fans regarding the legitimacy of his status. Sanders, who was recently elevated to the second spot on the depth chart, has not yet played in a regular-season game, raising questions about the team's quarterback situation and the timing of his injury report addition. The Browns have promoted Bailey Zappe from the practice squad as a precautionary measure, further complicating the narrative surrounding Sanders' availability for the game [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/shedeur-sanders-injury-status-draws-skepticism-from-browns-fans-10941562][https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/shedeur-sanders-injury-update-browns-week-8-patriots/b1fde8479a5a03c2f27e09be]. ### Breakdown of Shedeur Sanders' Injury Situation 1. **Injury Status**: - Shedeur Sanders was added to the injury report on Saturday due to back tightness, making him questionable for the game against the Patriots [https://apnews.com/article/cleveland-browns-shedeur-sanders-f7092253610aee5f234abb63a4479a48]. - Fans are skeptical about the injury, with some believing it may be a strategic decision rather than a genuine health concern [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/shedeur-sanders-injury-status-draws-skepticism-from-browns-fans-10941562]. 2. **Team Response**: - The Browns have elevated Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to serve as a backup, indicating uncertainty about Sanders' ability to play [https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/shedeur-sanders-injury-zappe-browns-1466929]. - Dillon Gabriel is expected to start if Sanders cannot play, as he has been the primary quarterback since Joe Flacco's trade [https://apnews.com/article/cleveland-browns-shedeur-sanders-f7092253610aee5f234abb63a4479a48]. 3. **Fan Reactions**: - The announcement of Sanders' injury has led to mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing doubt about the team's transparency regarding his health status [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/shedeur-sanders-injury-status-draws-skepticism-from-browns-fans-10941562]. - The situation has added to the ongoing drama surrounding the Browns' quarterback position, which has been a point of contention for fans this season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/shedeur_sanders_back_injury_creates_uncertainty_for_cleveland_browns_heading_into_new_england_patriots_matchup/s1_17396_42957455]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Report**: Sanders was added to the injury report on October 25, 2025, after experiencing back tightness during practice [https://apnews.com/article/cleveland-browns-shedeur-sanders-f7092253610aee5f234abb63a4479a48]. - **Team Changes**: Bailey Zappe's elevation from the practice squad was confirmed as a precautionary measure due to Sanders' questionable status [https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/shedeur-sanders-injury-zappe-browns-1466929]. - **Depth Chart Dynamics**: Sanders moved up to the second position on the depth chart after Joe Flacco's trade, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the team's quarterback lineup [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/shedeur_sanders_suffers_injury_before_browns_patriots_game/s1_17616_42957406]. ### Conclusion: Uncertainty Surrounds Shedeur Sanders' Availability In summary, **Shedeur Sanders' back injury has created significant uncertainty for the Cleveland Browns as they prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots**. The decision to rule him out has sparked skepticism among fans, who question the authenticity of the injury. The Browns' response, including the elevation of Bailey Zappe, indicates a lack of confidence in Sanders' readiness to play. 1. **Injury Status**: Sanders is ruled out due to back tightness, raising doubts among fans. 2. **Team Adjustments**: Bailey Zappe has been promoted as a backup, reflecting uncertainty in the quarterback position. 3. **Fan Skepticism**: The situation has led to mixed reactions, with many questioning the team's transparency. As the game approaches, the Browns' quarterback situation remains a focal point of discussion and concern among fans and analysts alike [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/shedeur-sanders-injury-status-draws-skepticism-from-browns-fans-10941562][https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/shedeur-sanders-injury-update-browns-week-8-patriots/b1fde8479a5a03c2f27e09be].