The Cleveland Browns couldn't have asked for a better start from Shedeur Sanders and their offense on Sunday, as the unit marched right down the field for a touchdown, but another scoring opportunity in the second quarter was derailed after Sanders was forced to come out of the game.
Dillon Gabriel briefly entered for Sanders, prompting boos from the crowd, which may not have known that the Colorado product was actually dealing with an apparent finger injury.
The drive ended in a field goal attempt, bringing the Browns three points closer to the Buffalo Bills but putting all of the focus on Sanders' health.
Here's what you need to know about Sanders' finger injury.
LIVE: Follow stats, highlights from Shedeur Sanders' start vs. Bills
What happened to Shedeur Sanders?
Sanders ran over to the sideline after a play in the second quarter and was seen with blood on his pinky finger.
Shedeur Sanders left the field on 3rd and goal, looks like the pinky on his throwing hand has, uh, seen better days pic.twitter.com/iTLogZ5q6H
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 21, 2025
Browns trainers were seen examining Sanders' pinky finger while Gabriel came into the game for Cleveland. Close-up views of Sanders' finger showed damage to the finger near the nail.
Shedeur Sanders is heading to the Browns locker room with a bloody pinky finger on his throwing hand.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 21, 2025
Dillon Gabriel replaces him at QB.Pic.twitter.com/7MEF3ibCKl
Sanders had a touchdown and an interception in the first half on Sunday before exiting with the Browns just a few yards away from the end zone. After missing the end of the series, Sanders was able to return later in the first half.