The Cleveland Browns are making a significant lineup adjustment for their upcoming road matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Todd Monken revealed on Friday that quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season.
Quarterback Change and Injury Update
Sanders will step into the starting role over Deshaun Watson, who remains listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Watson entered the league’s concussion protocol following the team’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend. Although Watson returned to the practice field on Friday as a limited participant, the coaching staff opted to make a change under center.
During last week’s 27-6 defeat, Watson absorbed eight sacks and briefly exited the contest in the opening quarter after absorbing a heavy collision from Steelers defensive back Jaquan Brisker. Sanders briefly stepped in, completing both of his pass attempts for a total of two yards. Despite missing the early portion, Watson returned to play the remainder of the game, accumulating a season-high 324 yards on 27-of-39 passing while the offense struggled to find the end zone.
Season Context and Background
Watson secured the starting job during training camp over Sanders. Despite occasional struggles, the veteran has guided Cleveland to an unexpected 5-3 record, placing them third in the AFC North division behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson previously won the training camp competition after being selected by the team years prior.
Sanders joined the organization as a fifth-round selection in the 2025 draft and threw only three passes across the team’s first eight games this season. As a rookie, he earned Pro Bowl alternate honors while making seven regular-season starts, finishing with a 3-4 record, a 56.6 completion percentage, seven touchdown passes, and ten interceptions.
On Sunday, the incoming quarterback will direct an offense matching up against a struggling Saints defense. New Orleans currently ranks 29th across the league in points allowed, 24th in rushing yards surrendered, 29th in passing yards allowed, and 30th in third-down conversion efficiency.
