Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was forced to leave practice early today after suffering an oblique injury, prompting the coaching staff to hold him out for the remainder of the session as a precaution. The junior signal-caller, who has been the centerpiece of the Buffaloes’ offense since transferring from Jackson State to follow his father and head coach, Deion Sanders, appeared to sustain the injury during a throwing drill midway through practice.
Witnesses reported that Sanders grabbed at his side after a pass attempt and spoke briefly with trainers before being escorted to the sideline. He did not return to drills, instead spending the rest of practice observing from the sidelines with an ice pack pressed to his midsection. Team officials have not yet provided an official diagnosis or timeline for his recovery, but early indications suggest the decision to keep him out was largely precautionary.
Oblique injuries, which affect the muscles along the side of the torso, can range in severity from mild strains to more serious tears, and recovery times vary accordingly. For quarterbacks, even a minor strain can impact throwing motion, accuracy, and rotational power, making rest and treatment essential to avoid further complications.
Sanders has been one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football since arriving in Boulder, showcasing poise, strong arm talent, and playmaking ability in his debut season with Colorado. He posted impressive passing numbers in 2023 despite heavy defensive pressure and an offensive line that struggled to provide consistent protection. His performance has kept him firmly in the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, and he has been projected by some analysts as a potential early-round NFL Draft pick.
With the Buffaloes aiming to build on the momentum and attention generated by their high-profile 2023 campaign, Sanders’ health will be a critical storyline heading into the season. The team is scheduled for several more practices this week, but it is unclear whether he will participate in any on-field work until the training staff is confident he is fully recovered.
In the meantime, Colorado’s backup quarterbacks are expected to take increased reps with the first-team offense, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate depth and readiness in case Sanders misses additional time. While there is no indication at this stage that the injury will be long-term, the program will be closely monitoring his progress to ensure their offensive leader is ready when it matters most.
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