CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders sustained an injury to his right pinky during the second quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills on October 29, 2023. With 6:22 left in the first half, Sanders headed to the locker room after suffering a bloody injury while attempting to complete a drive that placed the Browns ahead 13-7 at that moment.
The injury occurred when Sanders connected with tight end Brenden Bates on a short pass near the Bills’ end zone. The CBS broadcast displayed Sanders’ injured finger, which appeared to have a laceration. Despite the setback, he was able to return to the sidelines with 2:23 remaining in the half after the Bills took the lead at 20-10, following a touchdown run from James Cook.
Sanders was having a standout performance before his injury. He completed 10 of 13 passes for 109 yards, achieving one touchdown and one interception, which was caused by a pass that slipped through the hands of teammate Quinshon Judkins. His quarterback rating stood at an impressive 94.7. Additionally, he showcased his mobility by rushing three times for 35 yards, including a critical 13-yard gain on a third-and-seven, evading a sack in the process.
The game continued to be competitive, with the Browns narrowing the Bills’ lead after a 24-yard field goal from Andre Szmyt at 5:38 in the half, bringing the score to 13-10. Sanders’ resilience and ability to return to the field underscored his determination to contribute to the team’s efforts in what was shaping up to be an exciting matchup.
As the game progressed, the Browns faced a challenging second half, but Sanders’ return provided a boost to the team’s morale. The incident highlights not just the physical demands of professional football but also the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level.
