Shedeur Sanders injury: Browns given a scare as rookie QB pulls out of practice over oblique issue

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition took another turn on Wednesday, when rookie Shedeur Sanders was forced out of a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles because of an oblique injury.

Sanders was warming up and throwing early in the session, but was later examined by trainers and did not return to drills.

The Browns said he will undergo further testing, including an MRI, to determine whether he can suit up for Saturday’s preseason game in Philadelphia.

On Thursday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that those tests revealed an oblique strain. Sanders is considered day-to-day, will not practice on Thursday and is unlikely to play against the Eagles.

Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

From the #Browns: Further medical testing and examination on Shedeur Sanders revealed an oblique strain. He is considered day to day, won’t practice tomorrow and is unlikely to play in the game on Saturday.

Instead of taking snaps, Shedeur Sanders observed from the sideline as teammates worked through seven-on-seven and full-team periods.

Kenny Pickett handled most of the first-team snaps in situational drills while Dillon Gabriel worked behind him. Veteran Joe Flacco directed the offense in the 11-on-11 portions.

Sanders spent part of the post-practice period chatting with Eagles quarterback and reigning MVP Jalen Hurts.

Browns quarterback injuries pile up during training camp

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers - Source: Imagn

Shedeur Sanders is the latest Browns passer to be banged up during camp.

Kenny Pickett previously missed three practices with a hamstring strain and Dillon Gabriel sat out the preseason opener for the same reason.

Both have returned to action, though Pickett has not been involved in full-team drills since late July. To offset the rash of injuries, Cleveland signed former Ravens and Panthers quarterback Tyler Huntley last week.

The setback comes on the heels of an encouraging debut for Shedeur Sanders.

In his first preseason appearance against Carolina, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-10 victory. His father Deion Sanders praised the outing as a sign of what’s to come.

Sanders left Colorado holding the highest career completion percentage in FBS history (71.8), along with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns in his final college season.

Cleveland has yet to name a starter for its second preseason game. Joe Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders remain in contention. Roster limits could force the team to carry only three quarterbacks into the regular season.