For the primary time this season, Shedeur Sanders would be the beginning quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
Deshaun Watson has been within the concussion protocol all week and has not practiced, so Browns coach Todd Monken stated Sanders will begin. Monken praised Sanders’ efficiency in follow.
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“I appreciated his confidence and the best way he operated. He seemed very snug by way of getting our guys out and in of the huddle and I assumed he threw the ball extraordinarily effectively,” Monken stated of Sanders.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders seems to be on throughout warm-ups earlier than an NFL regular-season sport in opposition to the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 25, 2026. (Stephen Furst/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA through Reuters Join)
Watson might clear the concussion protocol on Saturday, however after lacking three days of follow, the Browns will begin Sanders no matter whether or not Watson is cleared. Sanders entered the sport for 4 performs final week when Watson left to endure a concussion analysis, finishing two passes for two yards.
Watson returned to the sport after being cleared by an unaffiliated neurotrauma guide. The ten-year veteran started experiencing concussion signs Monday evening, when he was positioned within the concussion protocol.
The 24-year-old Sanders began the ultimate seven video games of his rookie season final yr, going 3-4 whereas finishing 56.2% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Browns had a quarterback competitors all through coaching camp, however Watson received the job.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) passes in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers in the course of the first half of an NFL soccer sport, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photograph/Sue Ogrocki)
Sanders stated his taking part in time final season was invaluable.
“It was invaluable, simply tapping again into that reminiscence financial institution, having these reps and all the pieces,” Sanders stated. “That’s why I’m grateful for this entire offseason and all the pieces and simply being on the market with the fellows each day, having the ability to nonetheless get some throws in with them. So I don’t assume we misplaced a step.”
The New Orleans Saints, Cleveland’s opponent on Sunday, have struggled defensively, rating twenty eighth within the league in whole protection and twenty third in opposition to the cross.

Quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns watch from the sidelines in the course of the fourth quarter in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Financial institution Subject on Sept. 7, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Pictures)
The Browns (5-3) wish to keep away from consecutive losses for the primary time this season, whereas New Orleans (2-5) is coming off its bye week.
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The Related Press contributed to this report.
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