Browns Name Shedeur Sanders Starting Quarterback Against Saints as Watson Remains in Concussion Protocol
The Cleveland Browns will turn to Shedeur Sanders for Sunday's road matchup against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Todd Monken announced Friday. The decision comes as Deshaun Watson continues to work through the NFL's concussion protocol following symptoms he reported Tuesday morning.
While Watson is officially listed as questionable, he has yet to receive medical clearance, leaving his potential role as a backup undetermined. Sanders took the majority of first-team practice repetitions this week in his place.
Sunday marks Sanders' first start of the 2026 season. The 2025 fifth-round selection started seven games during his rookie campaign completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions leading Cleveland to a 3-4 record in those appearances.
Sanders believes those early struggles prepared him for this moment. Speaking Wednesday, he noted that the film allowed him to pinpoint critical weaknesses, which he targeted throughout the offseason. Though he has only attempted three passes across two appearances this year, Sanders pushed for the job during a wide-open training camp competition.
Monken praised the young signal-caller's dedication and natural poise, highlighting tangible strides in his footwork, mechanics, and progression reads. The coaching staff also emphasized Sanders' improved protection adjustments and quicker operational urgency. Monken reiterated Friday that live game repetitions are vital for young passers adjusting to the league's demands.
If Watson is inactive, the newly activated Dillon Gabriel will serve as the primary backup after acting as the emergency option in Week 8. Rookie sixth-rounder Taylen Green will fill the emergency quarterback role.
Sunday offers Sanders a clean slate to showcase his growth. With Watson's long-term status unresolved, a strong performance in New Orleans could dramatically alter Cleveland's ongoing quarterback evaluation.