Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns dropped their second-straight game in Week 14, falling to 3-10 on the 2025 NFL season after a 31-29 loss to Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, and the Tennessee Titans. Now, the Browns will look to end the season on a positive note, beginning with the Chicago Bears in Week 15.
Against the Titans, Sanders had the best game of his young NFL career. In his third start, the former Colorado quarterback completed 23-of-42 passes for 364 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, adding another 29 yards and a score on the ground. And with his performance, Cleveland has elected to keep Sanders as the starter for the remainder of the year.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before an NFL gameKen Blaze-Imagn Images
But while Sanders has been improving since taking over the starting quarterback role, the Browns’ offensive line has taken a big hit. In the fourth quarter against the Titans, center Ethan Pocic went down with a serious injury and was carted off the field. Pocic was later diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon, ending his season.
And with his injury, Pocic may have played his last game for Cleveland. His three-year, $18 million deal expires at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent. But Sanders has already made it clear he wants Pocic back, hoping to have him under center again next season for the Browns.
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“Ethan, it definitely hurt that he was out because the responsibility he took in helping everybody whenever I was able to come in and have that different level of comfort,” Sanders said. “I truthfully hope I can play with him next year and I hope he’s around next year, you know, I really do. But I gotta make sure I’m around too next year.”
Sanders and the Browns will be back in action against the Bears on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.