Browns' Shedeur Sanders ignites Stefanski praise battling finger wound vs Bills

The Cleveland Browns came up short in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but the game offered another revealing chapter in rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ early development.

Facing one of the league’s hottest teams, Sanders showed toughness and improvisation that stood out even as turnovers tilted the result.

Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski pointed to Sanders’ competitiveness and mobility as defining traits in the performance, particularly after the quarterback injured his right pinky.

Stefanski praised Sanders for staying aggressive and extending plays with his legs, noting that minor injuries have not changed his approach. The coach also acknowledged that growth remains part of the process, but emphasized pride in how the rookie responded under pressure.

Sanders entered the matchup with 946 passing yards, five touchdown throws, one rushing score, and six interceptions across four starts. He earned the job for the final stretch of the season after erupting for 364 passing yards and four total touchdowns against Tennessee.

Sunday’s game was viewed internally as a measuring stick against a Buffalo defense riding a three-game winning streak, powered offensively by running back James Cook’s 331 rushing yards and three touchdowns during that span.

Injuries reshape Cleveland’s outlook down the stretch

The loss carried heavier consequences beyond the standings. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins suffered a season-ending injury that overshadowed much of the postgame discussion.

Stefanski confirmed Judkins fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle, injuries that will require surgery. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport later detailed the severity, explaining that the play was so graphic it was not replayed on the broadcast.

Judkins was hurt while catching a short pass from Sanders behind the line of scrimmage before being tackled by defensive end Gregory Rousseau. The injury abruptly halted what had been an impressive first NFL season.

In 14 games, Judkins logged 222 carries for 805 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 21 receptions for 142 yards. That production totaled 947 scrimmage yards and firmly established him as Cleveland’s top back.

An Ohio State product and national champion, Judkins quickly justified his second-round selection in the 2025 draft. While questions surrounded Cleveland’s quarterback situation entering the year, there was no such uncertainty in the backfield once Judkins took over.

His absence now places additional responsibility on Sanders as the Browns navigate the final weeks against playoff-caliber opponents, with development taking priority over immediate results.

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