Cleveland Browns fell to 3-12 after a 23-20 setback against the Buffalo Bills, a game that swung on timing, turnovers, and an unexpected injury.
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders delivered a mixed performance that included two giveaways and a brief exit when his pinky finger was cut and bleeding in the second quarter.
Cleveland actually finished with more total offense, 294 yards to Buffalo’s 259, but the mistakes proved decisive with two games left to match last season’s three-win total.
Sanders’ return after treatment became a defining moment, not only for the result but for how he handled the aftermath. He addressed the disruption caused by his injury and took responsibility for forcing fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel into action cold.
Sanders explained why he pushed to get back on the field, saying,
“You can look online and see what my finger looked like,” and later added, “I did everything to come back because I didn’t want to put Dillon in a bad situation.”
"You can look online and see what my finger looked like. I did everything to come back...I didn't want to put Dillon in a bad situation. It's tough to play that role because you don't get reps. I said, 'my bad bro' for putting you in that situation"#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/fnqoBNQpJb
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) December 21, 2025
Drawing on his own experience as a backup earlier in the season, Sanders acknowledged how difficult the role can be without practice reps, noting he told Gabriel,
“My bad, bro, for putting you in that situation.”
Before the injury, Sanders completed 10 of 13 throws for 109 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
After returning, he went 10-of-16 for 54 yards and another interception, finishing the day 20-of-29 for 157 yards with two picks. Gabriel’s lone snap came on third-and-goal from the five, ending in a sack that led to a field goal rather than a touchdown.
Sanders’ toughness, evaluation stakes shape Browns’ final weeks
The loss underscored why Cleveland’s remaining games matter beyond the standings. Sanders has now started five times, totaling 1,103 passing yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Gabriel, who had previously made six starts, has already been evaluated, leaving the Browns with decisions looming as they hold two first-round selections next April, one of which is likely to be among the top three.
Determining whether a quarterback is still needed remains central to the franchise’s planning.
Beyond toughness, Sanders described a shift in approach against Buffalo, focusing on efficiency and patience rather than forcing plays. He framed it as a mental adjustment tied to winning snap by snap, saying,
“Understand that winning in this game, in the league is play by play,” and later stressing the value of taking what defenses allow.
The Browns nearly capitalized on that mindset, staying competitive deep into the fourth quarter.
With Cleveland headed to face the Pittsburgh Steelers next, Sanders is expected to remain the starter. For a rebuilding team, his resilience, accountability toward teammates, and evolving decision-making may carry as much weight as the final scores in shaping what comes next.
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