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The Cleveland Browns face a quarterback dilemma ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans. While Deshaun Watson guided the team to a 5-3 start before an injury, Shedeur Sanders delivered a strong performance during his first start of the season in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Saints.
Coach Monken Weighs Options
Although ESPN reported that the Browns intend to return to Watson this Sunday, coach Todd Monken stated that he had not yet determined his starting quarterback for the game against Houston. Monken explained that he had only just reviewed the morning’s tape and met with the players, noting that more extensive offensive meetings would take place later in the day.
When asked directly whether a player can lose their position due to an injury—a scenario that would unfold if Sanders maintains the starting role—Monken responded that he did not understand the phrasing and reiterated that the team fields the players who offer the best chance to win each week.
Sanders and Watson Recent Performances
Sanders earned his start on Sunday after Watson sustained a head injury during a Week 8 loss to the Steelers. In that 27-6 defeat, Watson was sacked eight times and briefly departed in the first quarter following a heavy hit from defensive back Jaquan Brisker, though he had returned to practice as a limited participant by the following Friday.
Providing what was arguably his best professional game, Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning a career-high 114.6 passer rating. His standout plays featured a 64-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion and a 39-yard scoring strike to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. during overtime, though the Browns ultimately lost when Sanders missed Denzel Boston on the subsequent 2-point attempt.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, Sanders threw only three passes across Cleveland’s first eight games. Last season, he made seven regular-season starts as an alternative for the Pro Bowl, finishing with a 3-4 record while completing 56.6% of his passes with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Monken expressed pride in Sanders’ performance, noting the challenge of stepping in without first-team repetitions for 10 weeks. Monken praised Sanders for battling, showing pocket composure, utilizing checkdowns, and making plays with his feet while acknowledging there were areas to clean up and build upon.
Upcoming Matchup and Season Context
Should Watson receive the nod, it would mark his initial start against his former franchise. The Houston Texans traded Watson to Cleveland in 2022 in a major deal that included the Browns sending three future first-round draft picks to Houston.
At 31 years old, Watson won the starting job over Sanders during the summer. Despite some inconsistent play, Watson has anchored Cleveland to a 5-3 start and is credited with five game-winning drives this year, trailing only Bo Nix, who has six. The Browns currently sit third in the AFC North standings behind Pittsburgh, which holds a 6-2 record, and Cincinnati, which stands at 5-2.
