Many are speculating that Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders said his “goodbye” in a post on social media after he was ruled out of Sunday’s game with a back injury.
Sanders was ruled out of the Week 8 clash with the New England Patriots with a back injury that popped up late in the week. He went through a pregame workout, but didn’t feel ready to suit up, and the Browns made him inactive. Practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe assumed the backup role to Dillon Gabriel with Sanders out.
Ahead of the game, Sanders shared a striking black-and-white photo on social media, showing him leaning over the sideline to connect with Browns fans and sign autographs.
Getty ImagesBrowns QB Shedeur Sanders made an interesting post on social media after being ruled out against the Patriots.
The post comes amid growing trade speculation surrounding Sanders. With the Nov. 4 deadline fast approaching, some fans interpreted his message as a potential farewell from the former Colorado standout.
“Shedeur, I rock with you heavy… just don’t get our hopes up. This feels like a goodbye picture to the Cleveland Browns,” one fan said.
“Oh yea he’s getting traded,” another fan said. “This is a goodbye post.”
“They’re about to trade my dawg and good (expletive) riddance! Shedeur doesn’t belong with an incompetent organization like the Browns,” a fan added. “Obviously whatever team that is about to trade for him believes in him and I can’t wait to see him thrive! Let’s go 12! It’s almost time!”
Browns Insider Shuts Down Shedeur Sanders Trade Rumors
Sanders’ late injury further ignited the trade speculation ahead of the deadline. However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said that the team has no plans to move Sanders.
“The soreness is legitimate, and the Browns have no plans to trade Sanders, even though he’s not getting any first-team reps in practice, and might not see the field for a while,” Cabot said.
Sanders has faced an uphill battle in Cleveland as a fifth-round pick. He has received limited reps and functioned as the No. 3 quarterback for the first five games of the season before Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. But the Browns have been impressed with Sanders’ work ethic as he prepares for his opportunity.
“He’s working hard and really learning by the day, by the week,” Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said. “He’s doing a nice job of getting the most out of each and every day and feeling more comfortable with the system.”
Browns Owner: Shedeur Sanders Serious Football Player
Sanders is one of the most polarizing fifth-round picks ever and his every move draws a spotlight. But inside the building, Sanders has been able to quiet the “noise.”
“Listen, he’s a serious football player, and inside the building, there’s no noise,” Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said, per The Athletic. “He comes to work every day just like everybody else, and he’s trying to get better as a football player.”
If Sanders stays in Cleveland, his chance to step in could come sooner rather than later. Gabriel has struggled to jump-start the offense, and the Browns are looking for more consistency from their starter. Heading into Sunday’s matchup, Gabriel was averaging just 5.1 yards per attempt — one of the lowest figures in the league among qualified quarterbacks.
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