Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has suffered an oblique strain that is likely to keep him out of the team’s Aug. 16 exhibition against the Philadelphia Eagles, which will air in Columbus on 10TV.

That means Sanders will be unable to build on the momentum of his 14-for-23, 138-yard, two-touchdown performance in Aug. 8th’s 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Less than a week later, Sanders got hurt during practice – a joint workout with the Eagles.

“It’s tough,” said Sanders fellow quarterback Joe Flacco. “We all want to be out there getting reps but, hey, that’s what training camp and football is all about. Sometimes these things happen. Sometimes you’ve got to deal with them, and it is what it is.”

Dillon Gabriel is expected to start Saturday. The Oregon product was taken in the third round (pick No. 94) in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Sander was a fifth-round (pick No. 144) selection.

Draft picks Mason Graham (first round, No. 5) and Carson Schwesinger (second round, No. 33) will be looking to take another step with the Browns defense. They each played 13 snaps against the Panthers and flashed at times, especially Schwesinger. The linebacker finished with four solos and six combined tackles, leading the team in both categories.

Browns preseason schedule

  • Week 1 | 7 p.m., Aug. 8 | Cleveland Browns 30, Carolina Panthers 10
  • Week 2 | 1 p.m., Aug. 16 | at Philadelphia Eagles | 10TV
  • Week 3 | 1 p.m., Aug 23 | vs. Los Angeles Rams | 10TV

Former Ohio State Buckeyes playing for the Browns

The Browns have a number of former Ohio State football players on their roster. On defense, OSU is represented by linebacker Jerome Baker, safety Ronnie Hickman, defensive tackle Mike Hall and three-time Pro Bowl (2018, 2021 and 2023) cornerback Denzel Ward.

Offensive lineman Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler are on the Browns roster. Though technically unsigned and awaiting results into ongoing police and NFL investigations, the Browns selected running back Quinshon Judkins in the second round (pick No. 36) in April’s draft.