Shedeur Sanders Reacts to Browns QB1 Buzz in Video Amid Deshaun Watson Injury

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is in concussion protocol after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker last Sunday. Shedeur Sanders is next in line to start if Watson cannot go this Sunday at the New Orleans Saints.

On Wednesday, Sanders spoke with reporters.

"The same way I've been preparing every week, no different," Sanders said when asked how he is preparing this week as the potential starter.

Sanders also added this: "Well first, I just want to thank the whole coaching staff, [general manager Andrew Berry] and everybody in the organization for giving me another chance to be here for this season and everything. Last year, I was able to see what I need to see, feel different things during the games and understand what I need to get better at. So then going into this offseason, we worked on that and training camp of course and this offseason, and overall I'm just excited for this opportunity."

Sanders appears ready for the moment if he plays.

"I'm comfortable with the ball in my hands in general," Sanders said in part. "Just go in there, do what I have to do. Play the long game, win everything, and just be excited to get out there."

Sanders played in eight games (seven starts) for the Browns last season. He completed 56.6 percent of his passes for seven touchdowns (10 interceptions) and 1,400 yards (6.6 yards per attempt).

Sanders, a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft, initially sat as Joe Flacco and then Dillon Gabriel started for the team. The former Colorado star got called into action when Gabriel entered concussion protocol. Sanders then started the final seven games.

This year, Sanders and Deshaun Watson, who missed the back half of 2024 with a torn Achilles and then sat all of 2025 after suffering a re-rupture of the same Achilles, were in a QB1 battle. Watson won and has done well, completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards (7.25 yards per attempt), seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Cleveland has gone 5-3 thus far.

Sanders could very well be the starter on Sunday, though, in a crucial game for the Browns as they fight for the AFC North title or an AFC postseason spot at worst. Kickoff on Sunday is set for 1 p.m. ET.