Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders QB Decision Revealed Ahead of Browns' Game vs. Texans

Despite Shedeur Sanders' strong showing in an overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints this past weekend, Deshaun Watson will return to a starting role against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Watson missed the Browns' 23-22 defeat in Week 9 due to a concussion, but he will be back in the lineup against his former team in Week 10. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot first reported the news.

Each of the Browns' first eight games this season were started by Watson, who led Cleveland to a 5-3 record.

Watson and Sanders competed for the starting job during training camp and the preseason, and Browns head coach Todd Monken somewhat controversially decided to go with Watson.

The results of that choice have proved to be solid, though, as Watson is completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and just three interceptions, while also rushing for 217 yards and a score.

However, Sanders showed against New Orleans just how dynamic he can be, throwing for 297 yards, two touchdowns and no picks.

That included a 39-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in overtime, which would have been the game-winner had Cleveland converted the ensuing two-point conversion.

The 24-year-old Sanders went 3-4 as a starter during his rookie season in 2025, although he only managed seven touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions.

He looked far more efficient in his first start of 2026, but it apparently wasn't enough to supplant Watson as the starter.

Watson played his first four NFL seasons with the Texans, and Sunday will mark only his second start against Houston since getting traded to the Browns prior to the 2022 campaign.

It will be a massive game for both teams as it relates to their playoff hopes, as the Browns are 5-4, while the Texans are 3-5.