Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders Steps In for Concussed Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will sit out Sunday's road game against the New Orleans Saints, forcing a change at the helm of the offense. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Friday that Shedeur Sanders will start in Watson's place. Watson self-reported concussion symptoms on Tuesday morning and has remained in the league's concussion protocol since then. He is currently listed as questionable for the matchup, though his status as the backup for Sunday remains undecided pending final medical clearance.

This is the first start of the season for Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Following Watson's injury, Sanders assumed all starting repetitions during this week's practice sessions. In his rookie campaign last year, Sanders started seven games. Over those contests, he completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions, while his team posted a 3-4 record. This season, Sanders has had limited game action, attempting only three passes in spot appearances across two games.

Monken cited Sanders' diligence and natural confidence as reasons for the selection. The coach noted that young players require playing time to develop and pointed to specific improvements in Sanders' footwork, mechanics, and understanding of where to take the ball. Monken said, "There were so many things he needed to work on, and he's done that like any young player." He added that the team opened the quarterback competition and split reps in training camp due to Sanders' upward trajectory.

Sanders expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that his first year allowed him to identify areas for improvement. He said he worked on those aspects during the offseason and training camp. "Last year, I was able to see what I needed to see, feel different things during the games and understand what I need to get better at," Sanders said Wednesday. He described himself as ready to compete.

The backup quarterback situation for Sunday remains in flux. Dillon Gabriel, who returned from injured reserve last week, is a potential option to back up Sanders. Gabriel served as the emergency quarterback in Week 8. Meanwhile, rookie Taylen Green, a sixth-round pick, will return to the role of emergency quarterback for the first seven games of the season while Watson is sidelined.

The decision to start Sanders hinges on Watson's medical status. If Watson does not receive final clearance, Gabriel or another option will likely fill the backup role. Sanders will face the Saints in a game that marks his first action of the 2026 regular season.