Browns QB Deshaun Watson makes crucial progress in his return from a concussion, but Shedeur Sanders is still in line to start vs. Saints
Shedeur Sanders will get his first big opportunity of the 2026 NFL season this Sunday afternoon. Deshaun Watson has cleared concussion protocol and is remains questionable versus the New Orleans Saints, but Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken will start the former Colorado Buffaloes star regardless, per Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network.
Sanders, one of the most polarizing young signal-callers in the game today, amassed legions of supporters during his collegiate career and maintains a healthy amount of support in Forest City. He struggled in his rookie year and was unable to wrestle the starting job away from Watson, who has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Although the three-time Pro Bowler is not exactly filling up the stat sheet, he has produced a few clutch drives and done enough to put Cleveland right in the mix for a playoff berth. Sanders will be tasked with keeping the Browns (5-3) in the hunt when they battle the Saints (2-5) in the Caesars Superdome.
The No. 144 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft posted a 56.6 completion percentage and threw 10 interceptions to just seven touchdowns in eight games played last season. He has more weapons to utilize in 2026, though, with wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion flashing promise during their respective rookie campaigns. Ultimately, the defense will likely continue to define this squad.
Whoever is operating at QB must take care of the football, make the straightforward throws and live to play another down when necessary. Shedeur Sanders does not have to be the hero. He can generate headlines just by helping Cleveland leap back into a playoff slot.
Shedeur Sanders will get his first big opportunity of the 2026 NFL season this Sunday afternoon. Deshaun Watson has cleared concussion protocol and is remains questionable versus the New Orleans Saints, but Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken will start the former Colorado Buffaloes star regardless, per Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network.
