With just a 3-11 record through 14 games, the Cleveland Browns don’t have much left to play for heading into Week 16 of the 2025 campaign. Entering the year, it seemed like the Browns could end up being a complete mess, and sure enough, that has been the case. With three games left, Cleveland will be hoping to avoid suffering any sort of serious injuries, while also looking to give some under-the-radar players more snaps.
One guy who fits the latter category is undrafted rookie running back Raheim Sanders. The Browns are going to be without several members of their running back room on Sunday afternoon, which could pave the way for Sanders to get some more snaps. Ahead of Cleveland’s upcoming game, head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed what the team’s plans are with Sanders moving forward.
Kevin Stefanski Could Give Raheim Sanders More Snaps in Week 16
Rookies have been the primary topic of discussion for Cleveland all season long. Their first-round pick, defensive tackle Mason Graham, has looked like an up-and-coming star, and the quarterback debate has obviously revolved around a pair of rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
At running back, the position is headlined by two more rookies, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. While Judkins has gotten the lion’s share of the carries so far this season, Sampson has flashed his potential when he’s been on the field. He’s been ruled out for the Browns’ upcoming game, though, due to hand and calf injuries.
With Jerome Ford also on injured reserve, that has left Cleveland shorthanded at running back, with Sanders and Trayveon Williams operating behind Judkins. While it’s fair to assume Judkins will continue leading the way for the Browns, Stefanski revealed that Sanders could also factor into the mix, depending on how the game unfolds.
“We trust (Raheim), he’s ready to roll,” Stefanski said of Sanders. “He was ready to go last week. I don’t think we possessed the ball enough on offense to really get a true look at him … If there’s a longer series where he can go in, I do anticipate him playing, and when he’s in there, we trust him. He knows what to do. He’s been with us really all season long.”
Browns Looking to Play Spoiler vs. Bills
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 14: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sideline against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Sanders made his NFL debut for Cleveland back in Week 1, as he racked up three yards and a touchdown on three carries. He hasn’t taken the field since then, though, as he’s made way for Judkins and Sampson in the backfield. With the Browns set to be shorthanded in Week 16, though, that could lead to Stefanski giving Sanders more snaps to see what he’s capable of.
It’s going to be tough to get Sanders involved, though, largely because of the fact that Cleveland will be squaring off against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Fresh off a stunning 21-point rally against the New England Patriots, the Bills are rolling, and if the Browns aren’t careful, this game could quickly become a wash. If they can stay on the field on offense, though, don’t be surprised to see Sanders give Judkins a break from time to time throughout this game.
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