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In The Trenches

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Shedeur Sanders will start for remainder of 2025 season | In the Trenches

Ethan Pocic out for remainder of season with a torn Achilles

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The Browns used Monday following their 31-29 loss to the Titans to review the film and look at the different areas where they can improve – from the run defense and the failed two-point conversions to the giveaways and struggles on special teams.

"That game doesn't go our way and just trying to talk through it with the team this morning on the reasons for that and the things that we can do better, the things that we have to do better as a football team – offense, defense, special teams, players, coaches – things that we have to improve upon, in games like that," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "It's frustrating, we've got to learn from it and then we'll move on to Chicago."

Here are the top pieces of news and other updates heading into Week 15.

Shedeur Sanders to start for remainder of season

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback for the remainder of the season.

"I think he has constantly and consistently gotten better in each one of these games and how he's approached his game," Stefanski said. "He's been working very hard. So, I feel good about where his development is heading. He knows there are always going to be plays that he can be better and those types of things, but he is very intentional about getting better each and every game he's out there."

Sanders has started three consecutive games, beginning in Week 12. Over those three starts, he has completed 50 of 87 passing attempts for 722 passing yards and five touchdowns. Sanders has also completed at least one pass for 50-plus yards in each of his first three NFL starts.

He had his best game in Week 14, breaking 300 passing yards for three touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown. His 364 passing yards tied for the third-most by a Browns rookie in a game and his three touchdown passes tied for the second most.

In four games played, Sanders has also thrown three interceptions and been sacked eight times. However, since Sanders has stepped into the starting role, Stefanski has noticed areas of improvement in specific focus areas of Sanders' game, particularly in his footwork and pocket presence.

"I've been really impressed by his work ethic," Stefanski said. "And that's going back to since the moment he got here. That's what we've been striving to work with him and with all of our guys. That's been a huge area for us is player development of all of our players and I think the guys, when they embrace it, that's the fun part where you get to see these guys making strides. So, he's still very early in his career, and he would tell you the same. You want to have constant improvement in everything you're doing. There are moments in these games that come up that are hard to replicate in practice. You can talk through them on tape, you can talk through them in a walkthrough, and then you get the rep in a game, and that's the most valuable learning tool you can have. And I think he will only take all of that and use that to his development moving forward."

As the Browns prepare for the final four games of the season, his teammates are in full support of Sanders in his role as the starting quarterback. RB Dylan Sampsonsaid he sees Sanders growing more comfortable in the offensive scheme and building chemistry with both skill players and the offensive line.

And the defense has noted the energy Sanders brings in the locker room and to the field. DE Alex Wright has seen Sanders in Stefanski's office watching film each day and asking questions and has taken notice of how Sanders approaches practice.

"For him to be that poised rookie who's not afraid to go out there and throw the football – of course he's a rookie, there's always going to be mistakes in the game of football. There's always going to be missed assignments, missed opportunities. That's part of it," Wright said. "It's the fact that you can go up and do it again the next play. With Shedeur, we're going to take the next steps, we're going to be behind him, and keep cheering him on and telling him to be who he is. I have nothing but love for Shedeur. I just want him to succeed like everybody else on the team."

Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 14 game against the Tennessee Titans, featuring top plays and moments.

Injury Updates

C Ethan Pocic will miss the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles, Stefanski announced, and will have surgery to repair the injury. Pocic first sustained the injury early in the fourth quarter, as he was carted off the field and announced as out for the remainder of the game with a calf injury.

"So, feeling for Ethan," Stefanski said. "He's a huge part of our team, of our offense. We've relied heavily on him having a veteran center in there. So, disappointed for him, but I know he will bounce back. He's got the right attitude as you guys would imagine, but disappointed for Ethan."

With Pocic out for the season, Luke Wypler will start at center. Wypler has played in 13 games this season, including one start.

"Luke is somebody that when you're playing the center position, we put a lot on your plate," Stefanski said. "And when you're working with Po and you're Po's backup, you really have to lock in and understand all that. And Luke has worked very hard. So, he's done a nice job of making sure he's ready to roll in any instance that we may need him, and I think he'll be ready to roll in this one."

Stefanski did not have further updates on TE David Njoku or CB Denzel Ward following Week 14. Njoku sustained a knee injury early in the second quarter on his touchdown catch, while Ward endured a calf injury in the fourth quarter.

RT Jack Conklin remains in the concussion protocol. Conklin missed Week 14 while in the protocol after sustaining the concussion in the second quarter of Week 13.

RG Wyatt Teller will miss his second consecutive week with a calf injury. Stefanski said Teller will be out for Week 15 against the Bears after missing Week 14.

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