AFC North Notebook: Shedeur Sanders Staying Locked In, Ravens Get Good News on Mitchell, Steelers Banged Up Ahead of Week 15
As the NFL regular season barrels into its final stretch, the AFC North remains a battleground where every snap matters-and so does every soundbite. From a focused young quarterback in Cleveland to injury updates in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, here’s a look at the latest developments around the division.
Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders Locked In, Not Looking Ahead
Fifth-round rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders isn’t getting caught up in off-season talk or long-term hypotheticals. Asked about his plans beyond the current campaign, Sanders made it clear: his focus is right here, right now.
“This is my life here,” Sanders said. “We’re on two different spectrums right now. I’ve got to focus on playing my best and being the best player I can for the team.”
It’s a mature approach from a young signal-caller still finding his footing in the league. With a 1-2 record as a starter, Sanders isn’t shying away from the pressure or the responsibility. He’s embracing the grind, one rep and one read at a time.
“I just go here, enjoy my day, work hard, do everything I can,” he added. “If I’m here, I’m here.
If I’m not, I’m not. It’s nothing in my control.
So I try to control what I can control-going out there, making the right reads, doing the right things, being the person I am-and things will fall how they’re supposed to.”
When pressed about his personal record, Sanders didn’t flinch. His eyes are locked on the next opponent: the Chicago Bears.
“That’s a long deep thought,” he said of reflecting on his record. “That’s not in my focus.
My focus right now is the team I’m playing ahead, the Bears. Anything past that, I’m not really focused on, honestly.
I’m thankful for it, but I’m not content with my situation-with everything, with leading this team.”
The Browns have dealt with their fair share of adversity, and Sanders’ mindset is exactly what they need from a young leader in the room.
Meanwhile, the team took a hit on the offensive line. Center Ethan Pocic suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and is now set to hit free agency this offseason. Sanders, who’s developed a rapport with Pocic, made it clear he’d love to see the veteran back in Cleveland.
“I hope he’s here next year. I really do,” Sanders said. “I’ve gotta make sure I’m around next year too.”
The Browns also worked out four players this week, per the NFL transaction wire: guard Darrian Dalcourt, center Wesley French, and linebackers Braxton Hill and Devin Veresuk. With injuries mounting, Cleveland is clearly exploring depth options heading into the final stretch.
Baltimore Ravens: Keaton Mitchell Injury Not as Bad as Feared
In Baltimore, there’s a collective sigh of relief regarding running back Keaton Mitchell. Head coach John Harbaugh shared that Mitchell’s knee injury wasn’t as serious as initially feared, calling the dynamic back “day-to-day.”
An MRI confirmed the good news-the injury is considered minor, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
That’s a big win for the Ravens, who have leaned on Mitchell’s burst and versatility in recent weeks. With the playoffs on the horizon, keeping him healthy could prove pivotal.
On the offensive line, Harbaugh offered some insight into rookie Emery Jones’ development. While the third-rounder is in a “great spot,” Harbaugh acknowledged that Jones hasn’t yet separated himself from the competition to earn more snaps.
“Based on the performance, you couldn’t say it’s better or even the same,” Harbaugh said.
Defensively, there’s still some uncertainty surrounding lineman Nnamdi Madubuike’s neck injury. Harbaugh was vague but acknowledged that “there’s a lot going on there.” That’s a situation to monitor closely, especially with Madubuike playing a key role up front this season.
In contract news, tight end Mark Andrews’ three-year, $39.267 million extension includes some notable financial structure. It features a $16 million signing bonus and a $9.2 million guaranteed option bonus in 2026.
Andrews is set to earn $10.5 million guaranteed in 2026, with escalating salaries in 2027 ($9 million, $5 million of which becomes guaranteed in March 2026) and $10 million in 2028. He also has annual workout bonuses and a $1 million roster bonus in 2028 built into the deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Injury Bug Biting at the Wrong Time
Pittsburgh is limping into Week 15-literally.
Offensive tackle Calvin Anderson has been ruled out with a knee injury and was later placed on injured reserve. That’s a blow to an offensive line already trying to stabilize heading into a critical stretch.
Meanwhile, three more Steelers-linebacker Malik Harrison, offensive tackle Andrus Peat, and tight end Darnell Washington-are all in concussion protocol. Their statuses for this weekend are up in the air, and depth could become a serious concern if none are cleared in time.
On a more optimistic note, head coach Mike Tomlin gave a positive update on wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who was hospitalized for stomach pains after the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Ravens. Tomlin said Metcalf is “moving in the right direction” and doesn’t believe the issue will jeopardize his availability for Week 15.
Final Word
With just a few games left in the regular season, the AFC North is as competitive-and chaotic-as ever. The Browns are relying on a poised rookie to keep their season alive, the Ravens are dodging a bullet with a key playmaker, and the Steelers are trying to patch together a lineup amid a wave of injuries.
Stay tuned-this division isn’t done delivering drama just yet.