Through seven weeks, Shedeur Sanders has yet to appear in a regular-season game with the Cleveland Browns. That will not change in Week 8.
Ahead of Cleveland's Sunday meeting with the New England Patriots, Sanders was listed among the team's inactive players. This ruling means Sanders will not be available to take the field to spell starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, if necessary.
Here's what to know about Sanders' situation and why he won't be available for the Browns in Week 8.
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Is Shedeur Sanders injured?
Yes, Sanders is injured. He was added to the Browns' injury report with back tightness one day before Cleveland was set to take the field in New England.
Sunday morning, Sanders was officially ruled out as he was listed among the Browns' seven inactive players.
Our inactives for today's game against the Patriots pic.twitter.com/BTl37Odgb4
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 26, 2025
The news came after Sanders was seen on the field going through a pregame workout. Sanders being ruled inactive would suggest that his back did not respond well to the workout.
Shedeur Sanders (back) was on the field for pregame workouts ahead of Browns-Patriots 👀
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 26, 2025
(via @AndrewSiciliano)
pic.twitter.com/Y4Em6g92oC
With Sanders ruled inactive, Bailey Zappe will step in as Gabriel's backup.
Shedeur Sanders back injury update
Sanders' injury is listed as back tightness. He was added to the injury report on Saturday, Oct. 25.
It is unclear when Sanders' back tightened up. He was not listed on injury reports in the lead-up to Week 8. The team traveled from Cleveland to the New England area on Saturday.
Browns QB depth chart
Rookies headline the Browns' QB depth chart — Gabriel is the starter and Sanders is his backup.
Zappe, a four-year veteran, is on Cleveland's practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster in the wake of the Sanders news.
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Dillon Gabriel |
| 2 | Shedeur Sanders |
| PS | Bailey Zappe |