Jalen Hurts Has Strong Words for Browns QB Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders received some advice from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts following a joint practice on Wednesday.

It was a rough day for Sanders, who suffered an oblique injury. It limited him from throwing in the 7-on-7 and team portions of practice. However, he did spend some valuable time with Hurts.

The Eagles star wanted to keep their discussion private but said he’d be a resource for Sanders.

“I’ll keep the conversation intimate,” Hurts said after practice. “We had a very lengthy conversation. He came to me and just wanted to talk. I’m always there. I gave him my perspective on what I see, how I go about things. Ultimately, it takes a great deal of patience and hard work, and resilience … I’m supporting him from where I am, and I’m wishing him the best in his opportunities.”

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Avoiding Negativity

Sanders is a polarizing figure and is looking to make a name for himself in the NFL after falling to the fifth round of the draft. Hurts was a second-round pick in 2020 and has dealt with scrutiny, even after winning a Super Bowl.

“There’s a sense of obligation to be yourself, and that’s who I am, to be honest and genuine in expressing how I got to where I am today,” Hurts said. “It wasn’t an easy journey. It’s always going to present some challenges, but I’ll continue to be who I am, continue to carry myself in a humble way, and I’m always putting the work first. I’m aware of that. I know that’s still a torch that I hold. It’s something I respect and embrace and accept it for what it is. At the same time, I always put my focus on how I can be the best I can be and hopefully my actions can speak louder than anything.”

Sanders acknowledged that much of the criticism he faces comes from perceptions tied to his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders. In Cleveland, he’s worked to carve out his own identity, making a positive impact in the local community and consistently presenting himself well — both in interviews and through a strong work ethic.

“They don’t care about other people’s opinion of you,” Sanders said recently. “They go based off their own — 99% of hatred [directed at me] is toward pops. And then I’m just his son. But [the kids] didn’t grow up in an era to where they watched him play. It’s just the older generation that does it to me rather than the younger people. Because when I come in person, there’s no negativity I see. But it’s all over online.”

Shedeur Sanders Unlikely to Play for Browns Against Eagles

Sanders is expected to miss time with what the team has dubbed an oblique strain. It will likely keep him out of the team’s second preseason game against the Eagles on Saturday.

“Further medical testing and examination on Shedeur Sanders revealed an oblique strain. He is considered day to day, won’t practice tomorrow and is unlikely to play in the game on Saturday,” the Browns said in a statement.

The injury will halt Sanders’ momentum from his strong preseason debut, when he passed for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his first real shot at climbing the depth chart against the Carolina Panthers.

With Sanders sidelined, the focus shifts to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who remains ahead of him in the quarterback race. Sanders’ performance set a high standard, but the third-round pick now has a prime opportunity to solidify his spot by delivering.

Joe Flacco is still penciled in as the Week 1 starter, but it’s unlikely he’ll play against the Eagles. Veteran Kenny Pickett is also dealing with a hamstring injury that’ll likely sideline him against his former squad.