Shedeur Sanders Named Browns' QB1 vs. Saints amid Deshaun Watson's Concussion Recovery

With Deshaun Watson still in concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season in Week 9 for the Cleveland Browns.

Browns head coach Todd Monken announced on Friday that Sanders will start against the New Orleans Saints.

Monken added Watson has not yet been ruled out and will be listed as questionable as he goes through the protocol.

Monken expressed confidence in Sanders because of the changes he has seen from him over the course of this season:

"Where he's improved is his footwork, his drops, his mechanics, understanding where to go with the ball, sense of urgency in terms of working through his progressions, protections. There were so many things he needed to work on, and he's done that like any young player. Any young player has a lot to work on, especially at the quarterback position. And you can see that from the moment we got here and that's why we opened up the competition and we split the reps was because of his ascent."

The Browns announced on Wednesday that Watson had been placed in concussion protocol stemming from a helmet-to-helmet hit he took in the first quarter of their Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cleveland's statement noted Watson was cleared during the game by the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants. He was also evaluated by the team's medical staff postgame and on Monday, showed no symptoms and passed his testing.

It was on Tuesday morning Watson reported to the Browns' medical staff he was experiencing concussion symptoms.

NFL rules require players in the protocol to go through a five-step process before they can be cleared to play. Clearance must also occur the day before gameday, so Watson has to pass his tests on Saturday to be available as a backup option.

Sanders has been taking the starting reps in practice this week with Watson unavailable. He has played a total of five offensive snaps in two games this season, including four against the Steelers.

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, Sanders made seven starts as a rookie. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and completed 56.6 percent of his attempts in eight appearances last season.

The Browns have been a pleasant surprise so far with a 5-3 record. They are tied with the New England Patriots for the final playoff spot in the AFC going into Week 9.